#and i’m leaving for my dream trip in 6 days!

[neondiamond]

.

[koostattoos]

~ Pairing: jock!Jungkook x nerd!reader

~ Genre: academic rivals to lovers, fluff, angst, smut, college au, slowburn

~ Summary: Summer vacation was right around the corner. Being in a program that required you at the beach every day was a big pro. After seeing Jeon Jungkook at the same beach as you everything was ruined. Jungkook was the school’s heartthrob. Girls throwing themselves at him left and right, going to parties every other day, and coming in and out of those parties with different girls. Not to mention he’s the biggest dick you’ve ever met. Avoiding him was all you could think about. His being there threw avoiding him out the window. What’s the worst that could happen?

~ teaser wc: 667

full fic here!

~

For the past thirty minutes you sat staring at your suitcase still trying to figure out what the hell to pack. The program that you joined had asked everyone if they wanted to go on a trip for extra credit to work for the beach down by Busan for junior year. Not that you needed it, you had zero plans made for this summer.

Niki’s out of town visiting her family for the summer and Sohee’s out doing what Sohee does, probably out exploring abandoned places or getting high somewhere. Who knows? You decided to get up and start packing. You walked over to your closet to skim over your outfits and carefully picked out a few outfits for the next few months. After two hours of packing, your phone dings with a notification from Niki

Niki: omg can’t believe it’s summer already! have fun on your little trip down to Busan. If anything happens call or text me right away! Luv ya!

You smile down at your phone. You and Niki have been friends for years, you first met in your freshman year of high school. She taught you everything, from how to do your make-up and style your clothes and all that fun stuff. Funny how you both got into the same college and ended up sharing the same dorm. She’s gone around the campus having different guys in and out. You would say you guys are complete opposites. You would rather stay in and watch a movie or something instead of going out and partying with drunk college students and grinding my body against sweaty skin.

After finishing up the last of your packing you respond.

Me: hey girl, omg I know! The school year went by so fast, say hi to your mom n dad for me and give Nani kisses for me! And of course, you’ll always be the first to know everything! Luv u too! Enjoy your summer 💞

Putting your phone down you go to check when you were supposed to leave and meet everyone at the train station. The ticket said 8:00 am. You set your alarm for tomorrow and get ready for bed. Checking your phone for the last time you turn the lights off and drift off to dream land.

~

Waking up to your alarm clock blaring in your ear. It’s near 6:00 am, you get up and start getting ready. Walking into the bathroom you bring out your skin care routine. After finishing up and brushing your teeth, you go back to where your vanity is and start with your makeup.

Choosing what to wear was easy, you chose a simple outfit. An oversized black hoodie, black parachute cargos, and white gamma forces. You come out of your room to the living room and take your bag off the counter and get the rest of the bags for the trip. The drive to the train station took longer than expected. Traffic was horrible. The ride was said to be only about 30 minutes, you ended up getting there about an hour later.

After blasting music on the way there you had finally arrived, you see a few of your classmates from previous classes and walk up to say hi. “Yunjin!” You shouted her name, catching her attention. She waves at you and starts making her way over. “Oh my god hey girl!” She goes in for a hug and starts talking about the next two months. “This is so exciting! I’ve been waiting for this trip for so long, I hope we get free time because I’m too exhausted from all those tests.” She says with low shoulders. Out of nowhere she gasps and turns to you “You’ll never fucking guess who I just saw” You look at her with a curious face “Who?” she leans in closer “Jeon Jungkook”. Your face had gone red. Hearing Jungkook’s name coming out of her mouth left you shocked. Not forgetting the history, you and the boy had.

[meazalykov]

wrong number

bayern munich frauen x reader

1/6, 2/6, 3/6, 4/6, 5/6, 6/6

"who are you, and why do you have my number?"

you've been preparing for this move for what feels like forever.

the idea of leaving your small hometown in virginia to live in munich is both exciting and terrifying. you’ve spent weeks packing your things, saying goodbyes, and trying to mentally prepare yourself for the massive change that’s about to happen. 

sure, you’ve dreamed about studying abroad for a long time. now that it’s here, the reality of it feels overwhelming.

you’re going to be thousands of miles away from home, from everything you’ve ever known. your family is supportive, and your friends have been hyping you up nonstop. yasmeen, your closest friend, has been particularly great about helping you stay grounded, always there to distract you from the “what ifs” when the anxiety gets a little too intense. 

today is one of those days.

the two of you had planned a mall trip—something normal and fun before the whirlwind of final packing and travel arrangements takes over. well, yasmeen says that you need a new closet for munich and you don’t disagree.

it feels good to be doing something so ordinary, especially when you know that soon enough, everything in your life is about to be not-so-ordinary. 

you’ve been to this mall a hundred times with yasmeen, today feels a little more special though. maybe it’s because you’re hyperaware that you won’t have moments like these once you’re in germany.

will you make friends in germany? what if germany turns out horribly? are the people nice? is there xenophobia you might experience due to yourself being american? these thoughts plagued the back of your mind. 

"you’re gonna miss me so much, you know that, right?" yasmeen teases as the two of you walk through the mall’s food court, eyeing the chick-fil-a counter but opting for chipotle instead.

you roll your eyes playfully, nudging her with your elbow with the arm that's carrying your aritzia bag. 

"i’ll miss your constant harassment, that’s for sure."

"constant harassment? i’m literally the best thing that ever happened to you!"

"okay, sure," you laugh. 

honestly, yasmeen has been a huge part of your life for the past few years. she was the first person you clicked with back in high school, and now it feels weird to think about going through the next few years without her by your side. 

you’re trying not to dwell on it, though. you’ll still have facetime, you tell yourself. 

after grabbing and eating your rice bowls, you both head toward the stores. it’s one of those days where everything feels easy—there’s no pressure to buy anything. you did though obviously.

at one point, yasmeen holds up a bright red kit with a smirk.

"ouu a bayern munich kittt. you should totally buy it, you will fit in with the munich community."

you tilt your head, laughing. 

"what is that? i don’t even watch soccer."

"woah! you better once you hit germany– i heard soccer to them is like how the nfl is to americans."

you shake your head but decide to try it on anyway. yasmeen snaps a photo and tells you that you look like you’re about to cheer for some random german soccer team. 

you don’t think much of it and put the jersey back, moving on to the next store.

as the day goes on, you feel a strange mix of contentment and anticipation. it’s nice being here, with your best friend, doing normal things, but there’s a part of you that’s itching to start this next chapter of your life. 

it’s like you’re stuck in this weird limbo between your old life and the new one that’s waiting for you on the other side of the world.

eventually, after several hours of shopping, you realize your phone had died. you don’t even remember when it happened. 

you’ve been so caught up in the moment with yasmeen that you didn’t notice the battery draining.

"ugh, my phone’s dead," you say, glancing at the blank screen.

yasmeen shrugs. 

"mine’s still good. if anything, i can call you an uber."

"nah, i’m good. i’ll just charge it when i get home."

you both grab shoes at birkenstock before say your goodbyes outside the mall. yasmeen gives you an extra tight hug. 

"don’t get caught up with your european friends and forgetting about me, okay?"

"never," you promise.

when you get home, you immediately plug your phone into the charger and head straight to the shower. 

the hot water feels good against your skin, washing away the stress of the day. you’ve got so much on your mind—packing, travel plans, what your life is going to look like in a few weeks—but right now, standing under the stream of water, you feel calm. 

you let your thoughts drift away and focus on the simple rhythm of the water hitting your shoulders.

when you finally get out of the shower, you feel refreshed, like maybe you can tackle all the things on your to-do list without getting overwhelmed.

when you grab your phone and take it off of your charger, you notice something strange. 

it’s blowing up with notifications. you squint at the screen, trying to make sense of what’s happening. 

there’s a new group chat, and it’s filled with numbers you don’t recognize.

confused, you open the messages. the chat is already deep into a conversation about something, but none of it makes sense to you.

+49 176 1234567: pernille you’re AMAZING wtf was that!!!!????? 

+49 171 7654321: arsenals defense during this match had nothing on you or syd holy shit

your brows furrow. arsenal? match? what are they talking about? you know absolutely nothing about this conversation. 

hell, you’re not even sure what country arsenal plays for. the confusion only grows as you scroll up to see more of the conversation.

you: hi?

almost immediately, your message is met with a flood of responses.

+49 171 7654321: giulia! finally! where have you been?

+49 178 1233567: we’ve been trying to reach all day, i know we had no training but are you okay?

your heart skips a beat. giulia? who the hell is giulia? you’ve definitely never gone by that name.

you: uh, i think you’ve got the wrong number. i’m not giulia.

for a moment, the chat goes silent. you stare at your phone, wondering if you should just leave the group.

before you can, a new message pops up.

+49 176 1234567: wait, what?

+49 171 7654321: did we add the wrong number again?

+49 171 11122222: sydney, you’re an idiot. you added the wrong number!

there’s a pause before a new number is added to the group.

+49 152 3334444: you guys finally added me.

you assume this is the real giulia. still, no one seems to be kicking you out of the chat, and before you know it, the conversation picks up again.

+49 176 1234567: giulia, you missed our whole debate about the arsenal match.

+49 171 7654321: yeah, and we were saying bayern needs to keep it up for juventus.

you stare at your phone, more confused than ever. arsenal, bayern… these are clearly soccer teams, but why are they talking to you? you don’t even watch soccer. eventually, you decide to chime in.

you: um?? i have no idea what any of you are talking about. 

this time, the chat explodes with messages.

+49 171 7654321: what?!

+49 176 1234567: how do you not know bayern munich?

+49 175 7778888: do you watch fusball? 

+49 171 1112222: okay, who are you?

+44 177 9900000: ok guys that makes me feel better about this not being a crazy fan.

+49 170 4479173: i agree with georgia 

you explain your situation—that you’re a 21-year-old college student from virginia, and you somehow got added to this group chat by mistake. 

you tell them about your upcoming move to munich for your study abroad program, hoping to clear up the confusion.

+49 152 3334444: wait… you’re moving to munich? like… munich, germany?

+49 171 7654321: that’s insane omg we all live in munich.

+44 171 9900000: wtffff 

+49 176 1234567: this is such a weird coincidence.

you blink at your screen. this is getting stranger by the second. what are the odds that you’d get added to a random group chat full of people who live in the exact city you’re about to move to?

+49 171 1112222: okay, but how do we know you’re not some creepy dude pretending to be a girl?

+49 172 4567389: LMAO LENA 

+57 170 9193831: wait… 

you roll your eyes at the suspicion but understand why they might be cautious. so, you send them your instagram handle to prove you’re real. 

you: ew, i am not some old dude. @ y/n.l/n is my insta, just me out for yourselves.

after a few minutes, messages start pouring in again.

+49 152 3334444: yep, she’s legit.

+49 176 1234567: okay, cool. she seems sweet.

+49 171 9718193: guys laura would love her photography skills

you: who’s laura

+49 171 9900000: someone from the german national team. she plays in frankfurt

+44 177 9900000: this is so cool idky why.. usually i’d be freaked out

a few new followers pop up on your instagram notifications, and you open the app to check. you almost drop your phone when you see that some of the accounts following you are verified. 

*sydneylohmann is now following you*

and another 

*georgiastanway is now following you* 

*tuvahansen is now following you* 

and more.. 

*leaschuller is now following you* 

*lenaoberdorf is now following you* 

*kathi.ng is now following you* 

*pharder10 is now following you*

*guzman013_ is now following you* 

*sarahzadrazil25 is now following you* 

now it seems like the whole team is catching on.. 

*buehlklara is now following you* 

*magdalenaeriksson26 is now following you* 

*magou_doucoure is now following you* 

*dahmannlinda is now following you* 

it's until you do a quick google search that you realize who they are.

they’re professional soccer players.

you sit there, staring at your phone, completely in shock. you’ve somehow stumbled into a group chat full of actual women’s soccer players. 

trying to play it cool, you decide to treat them like normal people.

after all, you don’t even know anything about soccer, so it’s not like you’re going to fan out over them.

you: so, what are your names? i want to save your numbers because all of the unsaved numbers are overwhelming haha 

they go around introducing themselves, and you quickly type their names into your phone, saving each number under the name they give you.

+49 152 3334444: i’m giulia

+49 171 7654321: sydney

+44 177 9900000: georgia s 

+49 179 7777777: lea 

+57 170 9193831: ana g. there’s two ana’s so i’d add the last name letter to tell the difference 💜

it’s surreal, somehow you find yourself chatting with them like they’re any other group of girls you’d meet in a random group chat. 

they even start to warm up to you after a few days, especially after you tell them more about your move to munich. 

a few of them offer to show you around the city once you get there.

georgia: honestly, munich’s great. you’re going to love it.

sydney: we can help you find all the best spots.

lena: i can definitely ☺️

lea: lena you just moved here from wolfsburg.. 

lena: lea shushhhh 🙄

pernille: ??? 

you smile at your phone, feeling a little less nervous about the move. it’s strange, but you’re actually starting to look forward to meeting these girls in person. 

sure, they’re professional soccer players, but they’re also just… normal people. and they seem to like you.

as the chat continues, you get the sense that they trust you. maybe it’s because of your instagram or the way you’ve been honest with them from the start, but whatever it is, they don’t seem to mind that you accidentally got added to their group. 

in fact, they seem to enjoy having you around.

klara: you seem chill. i know its been a week since you’ve been added but do you promise to keep our secrets safe? 

lena: ^

you: i promise. i like you guys! 

it’s not every day you accidentally make friends with a group of famous athletes, but somehow, that’s exactly what’s happened. 

as strange as it is, you’re kind of excited about it.

part two here

[hearts4werka]

No Nut November!

authors note: our no nut November has officially started! I might change this schedule later but as I’m writing this it’s 6 am so we’ll see how it changes. Idk how consistent I’ll be able to be with this and that’s the thing I worry most about this so I apologize in advance if I might not post on one day 😭 small disclaimer English is not my first language and now let’s roll

| 🥐 means ANGST - 🍪 means FLUFF |

Visit - > masterlist | guestlist

🥐 - November 1st! - Matthew Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Don’t Do This Again” is available now!

• a heated argument with your boyfriend Matt who’s the fuckboy of the town about him sleeping with another girl at a party you attended last night but are you going to give him another chance, or value your well being and break things off?

🍪 - November 2nd! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Gothically Yours” is available now!

• you’ve forced your boyfriend to let you do goth makeup on him and the experience turns out to be more fun than he could have expected, leaving both of you giggling while laying on the floor together…

🥐 - November 3rd! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Skin Deep Scars” is available now!

• you’ve been born into a rich controlling family, always having to stay on top and never cross the line. You tried to please your mother but never could be enough for your mother’s standards, your father was mostly at work and away at business trips so both of you hardly ever interacted with each other. That’s until you got into an argument about your new friend chris who was the polar opposite of you, what do you think will happen next?

🍪 - November 4th! - Matthew Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Snow-Day Magic” is available now!

• december has finally arrived, snow has fallen and your daughter has never been more excited for your annual snow day with your husband Matthew matching her energy and enthusiast to which you fit right into, being the mother of both people.

🥐 - November 5th! - Matthew Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Whispers Of Madness” is available now!

• ever since one unfortunate day, you havent felt the same mentally. The dark entity that now permanently stabled a special place in your mind, making you go more insane with eachasing minute. Whenever you try to reach out for help to the one person you trust, being yout best friend matthew he always argues that nothing is actually there and my brain is messing with me but I know more than ive lead onto. Are you going to finally shatter and possibly lead to murder, or maybe finally banish the evil living inside of you?

🍪 - November 6th! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Birthday Tears” is available now!

• today was your birthday, the day you’ve never got to actually celebrate because of some family issues. Youve now always avoided your birthday and didn’t want to celebrate it, when you were coming home from the grocery store you were met with a sweet surprise when entering the house…

🥐 - November 7th! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Underground Secrets“ is available now!

• your boss has set up a dangerous mission for you—to take down the intel of the notorious rival gang, The Vipers. Your boyfriend, a drug dealer of a rival organization, Chris is advising you not to go through with the plan because of how dangerous it is for someone like you, will you listen to your boyfriend or value your reputation over the risk of life and go through with the plan?

🍪 - November 8th! - Matthew Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Adorable Chaos” is available now!

• one day you woke up to Matt becoming the best dad for two of your little fur babies, showing all of the affection you wanted to show them yourself but couldn’t and there was Matt fulfilling your little dream

🥐 - November 9th! - Matthew Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | "Shattered Promises" is available now!

• a dangerous war was declared, the one thing you feared would happen in your life ever since your husband Matthew joined the military. The fear of him possibly dying out on the battlefield without a proper goodbye always managed to deliver you nightmares and now your worst fear came true, Matthew had to go off to fight for his country. Is he going to make it and come back home safely, or maybe you’ll forever hold the weight of him in your heart even without him among the living?

🍪 - November 10th! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | "Newborn Miracle" is available now!

• the time has finally come, you and chris are going to become parents. Both of you are filled with joy and nervousness at the same time since this is a big step both of you have to make now and you’re ready more than ever for the adventures that lay ahead of you.

🍪&🥐- November 11th! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | "Books, Breezes and Broken Limbs" is available now!

• one cool autumn afternoon, you’ve been reading your book in peace and minding your own business until your doorbell suddenly rings and you’re met with an unusual sigh, a zombie man holding his fallen arm. Will you help him out or freak out by the sight of the monster and slam the door in his face?

❌ - November 12th! - Day Closed

✎ᝰ. |

🥐 - November 13th! - Matthew Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “You Can’t Save Me” is available now!

• Matt was a gang member and you knew the life as one or alongside one was a constant gamble for your life, never knowing what you’ll roll nor what consequences you will have to face. Today you didn’t know you would be facing one of them out of Matthew’s not informing you that they owed money to the violent rival gang, not thinking as an outcome I’ll have to face the barrier between life or death, will you somehow survive or face the consequences and give into the dark feeling of death?

🍪 - November 14th! - Christopher Sturniolo

✎ᝰ. | “Zombies Don’t Do Costumes” Is now available!

• Chris’s favorite season has came around the corner, Halloween season. He always loved to decorate the house with various scary objects, give our candy to children but especially scaring them. He decided to not dress up this year while handing out candy at your house and got quite shocked when a group of local children got scared of his so called ‘realistic zombie costume’ since they thought he was real. What would have you done if you were these kids?

- November 15th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 16th

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 17th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 18th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 19th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 20th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 21st!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 22nd!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 23rd!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 24th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 25th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 26th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 27th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 28th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 29th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

- November 30th!

✎ᝰ. | ‘Nothing yet!’

& love and peace, V

[gretavanlace]

Sugar II (part 6)

Jake Kiszka x reader

18+ only! Minors do not interact!

Warnings: graphic sexual content, illusions to cheating, illusions to oral sex (f rec), language, dirty talk, mutual masturbation, phone sex, etc

Your phone is lying on your chest when it begins to vibrate. Pretend you weren’t waiting for it all you want, your self-deception is laughable even to you. But isn’t that what you’ve become? A miserable joke who spurns the truth with a smile on her face and untruths in her heart.

Lying to ourselves is more deeply ingrained than lying to others, Dostoevsky once said. Wise and brilliant, he was. He also loved someone he shouldn’t have too deeply to let them go.

He is beside you, arm draped across your middle, forehead tucked against your shoulder…so placid and secure in his place next to your wandering mind. So blissfully unaware and peaceful as he dreams of things you don’t care enough to wonder about. But hasn’t he always been? Unaware, that is? He has lived in the dark, oblivious to the fact that he has never truly cradled your heart in his hands.

You are a wicked, black-souled creature, and no one knows that better than yourself. He doesn’t deserve this, and he never did.

Maybe you shouldn’t answer. Maybe. But you will, and you do.

Slipping out of bed like a phantom, you move through the house on silent toes, creeping along until you’re folded into the chair in the far corner of the living room.

“What took you so long?’ His voice drifts out, lazy and quiet, “Hiding from Mr. Wonderful again, are we?”

“You have to stop calling me like this.” You’re quiet, but not like him. Your quiet stems from deceit, and some inexplicable fear of what? Getting caught on the phone? And that’s all this is, right? Just a conversation with an old friend? There’s that self-deception again.

“Stop answering, then.” He counters coolly. Unbothered and wholly aware that that won’t be happening.

“How was the show?” You ask, rather than comment on the ridiculous confidence laced through his tone like sex on his tongue.

“Good.” He sighs, and you can picture his flippant, nearly shy shrug so clearly it grips your heart tightly for a breath. “I may have had a whiskey or three too many. May have tripped. May have fallen. May not have been very rock and roll.”

Your soft giggle tightens his heart just the same, but he doesn’t tell you that. “Did you play through?”

“Of course I played through,” He scoffs with feigned offense. “Who’re you talkin’ to?”

“Then I think that’s very rock and roll, Jake.” The smile won’t leave your voice. “Besides, you misjudged those stairs, don’t blame the whiskey. You should wear your fucking glasses.”

“Oh!” Now he sounds incredibly pleased with himself, dragging the word out like the cat who ate the canary, “Sounds like my sugar caught the show…”

“I may have popped in to peek at a livestream.” You concede, curling down into the chair to get comfy.

“Groupie.”

Pulling the throw off the back, you sling it over your bare legs and shake your head at his nonsense “Miss my Sammy, that’s all.”

“Fuck you.” He laughs.

“Fuck you, too.” You toss right back, but you both hear the love hidden behind those terrible words.

“You miss my stupid kid brother so much, why don’t you come and see him? I could have you on a plane tonight. How long would it take you to get to the airport?” There’s a sincerity in his offer that makes you long to pack a bag and go.

“Jake…”

“Should I send a car, or do you think Mr. Wonderful would mind driving my girl?”

Little shit.

“Stop calling him that.” You scold with little conviction.

“What should I call him then, baby? Since you won’t tell me his name…”

Fighting to sound steadfast, you square your shoulders and issue a warning you don’t feel a drop of in your bones “I’m gonna hang up.”

“Liar.” There’s that gentle laugh of his that echoes through your mind all hours of your lonely days. “What did you do today, sugar? Tell me.”

“Um,” you pick at the blanket absently and search back through the monotony. “I had a work thing. Then I went to the supermarket. Saw a movie. I smuggled a bottle of water inside in my purse like a criminal.”

“I should alert the authorities, but they’ve probably already got your wires tapped.” He’s teasing, but he suddenly sounds so sad. “Did you go to the movies with him?”

You hesitate, which tells him everything without a word.

“Damn,” he’s so quiet now. “I hate that, sweetheart. I hate that so fucking much.”

It makes no sense, he knows you’ve just crawled out of the bed you share with him, he knows that a ring rests on your finger right now - he knows. So why does he sound so broken-hearted? Why this?

“You just go around doing stuff with him, you know?” He clarifies as though he’s heard your unasked question. “Simple little things. The movies. The market. Dinner with your friends. Bookstores. We never really got to do those things together.”

It surprises you, though you aren’t sure why…he’s always been this way, soft and romantic about the strangest things. “You’d want to go to the grocery store with me?”

He laughs as you verbally poke at him to lighten the mood. “I’d go anywhere with you.”

“That’s good. Because I loathe going to the gynecologists alone. Care to attend my Pap smear, Jakey?”

He laughs again, but this time, it’s halting and loud… your favorite of all his laughs, “Absolutely, I do. I’ll steal the stirrups and take them home to use later. The doctor will see you now, sugar.”

You’re laughing now too, likely a bit too loudly “You’re so fucking weird. I feel like I’m talking to Josh.”

“Spending too damn much time with him lately.” He offers by way of excuse, “his shit is rubbing off on me. The other day I briefly considered a perm.”

Your laughter trails off with matching sighs, “I should go.” You say it, but you don’t want it.

“No, you shouldn’t.” He argues quietly, and with a strange tone…he’s fighting something.

“What is it?” You press delicately.

“I just,” he pauses, collecting his thoughts before pouring them out to you. “I just thought you’d be back by now…but you’re still there, with him. And I’m still here.”

“Jake,”

He doesn’t allow for you to finish whatever it was you were about to say that he doesn’t care to hear. “Hush, baby…I know. Do you miss me?”

“Yeah,” you secret into the phone, stealing a glance down the hall. “I miss you very much.”

“Good.” He has quieted to match your whisper. “How much do you miss me? More than Sam?”

“Yeah, I miss you more than Sam,” you see? This is why you’re a bad fucking person. “But like I said, I should go.”

“Why?” There’s that terrible, beautiful rasp again, the one that fails to belie how hard for you he likely already is. “Because you’re afraid you’re going to slide your hands into your pretty panties for me just like you did last night, and the night before, and the night before that?”

It’s a knee jerk reaction that you can’t explain when your finger jabs at your phone to end the call.

He calls back right away, and right away, you answer.

“That wasn’t very nice.” He taunts into the phone with a grin dripping from his accusation. “Don’t you dare hang up on me. Have you forgotten your manners, little girl?”

“Can’t we ever just talk?” You’re struggling to remain on solid ground, but for what? You want nothing more than to sink into him. “Do you ever think about anything else?”

“Other than what?” He counters. “Other than fucking you? Yes, as a matter of fact I do. I think about loving you, and lying beside you like that fuck gets to do. Taking care of you, making you laugh, cooking for you, and drawing you baths, and going to the goddamn movies to watch you smuggle in bottles of water, but you won’t let me have any of that, will you, sugar?”

“I—“ you’re shocked into silence.

“Right.” He agrees, as if you’ve said something poignant. “So forgive me if I indulge where you see fit to allow.”

“Jake, this isn’t right…” oh, don’t you sound righteous? “It has to stop.”

“Isn’t right for who?” He is rife with condescension, “For him? Ask me if I give a fuck about him. Not to ruin the surprise, pretty girl, but I don’t. And maybe you do a little, maybe you do even more than that. Maybe you care more than I’d ever want to know, but you’ll never care enough for it to matter more than you and I.”

No one has ever seen you like Jake sees you…and it is both intoxicating and frightening.

“You want to hang up? Hang up. I won’t call you back tonight.” There’s an edge to his promise, but you know better than to believe it, and you’re thankful it's a lie.

“I don’t want to hang up.” You should want to…but you can’t imagine giving him up right now.

“I love you, sugar.” He breathes, and it’s the loveliest song you’ve ever heard. You want to close your eyes and drift away into it like a symphony. There are cellos and violins in those words, magic and pain more beautiful than anything else you’ve ever known.

“I love you, Jake.” You want him to feel those same things living and breathing inside your own words, but they feel so lacking.

“Do you know what I did this morning?” He questions. You can picture his face so perfectly, and you long to touch it, to simply run the back of your hand down his cheek.

“Hmm?” You hum, still lost in the daydream of being near enough to touch him, to soak in the warmth of his skin.

“I tuned the piano in our front room.”

You know right away that he means the house he visits in the corners of his mind, the place he keeps just for you.

Your gaze has drifted out the window. If you look hard enough, you can almost see the house in the distance, windows glowing golden with light and love “You did?”

“I did. You’re teaching the girls now. I wanted it to be perfect for the four of you.”

“I don’t know how to play the piano, Jakey.” You tease, staring harder still at the mirage of your make believe home.

“Yes, you do. I taught you. You took to it right away, and now you’re better than Sammy, even. You play like an angel. And sometimes, when the girls are asleep, we make love on it and scatter notes around the room in the night.”

Your hand finds its way into your panties all on its own, but it’s innocent somehow, gentle. “We make love on the piano?”

“We make love everywhere, sugar.” He hushes, “I’ve slipped inside of you against the maple tree in the backyard in the Autumn while it drops its leaves at our feet. I’ve nestled my face between your thighs on the porch because you like to watch in the moonlight. Bent you over the kitchen sink so you’ll forget about the dishes, in a closet or two when the girls were too busy to notice, in the dirt in the garden, everywhere.”

A soft moan you attempt to swallow escapes you as your fingers sweep, wet and warm, across your clit.

“What was that, sweetheart?” The smugness in his query is so loving you forget to be annoyed with it, “Are you touching yourself imagining all the places I’ve made you mine? All the places I’ve taken you and made you shake, over and over and over?”

“Tell me,” you beg, slipping your leg over the arm of the chair, opening yourself up for him, offering something he isn’t here to take. “Talk to me. Tell me.”

“That’s my girl,” are you imagining the sound of his zipper through his praise? “What do you want to hear? I’ll talk to you all night, sugar…talk to you forever. Until my voice gives out.”

“The porch,” Another brush against your aching clit, another airy moan you fail to quiet, “Tell me about on the porch.”

“Yeah? You want to hear all about how I lick your pretty pussy on the front porch until you’re dripping down my chin? Want me to tell you about how good you taste, and how sweet you sound when you whine and rock against my mouth?” His voice is like sandpaper smoothing out the frayed edges of your heart. And you most definitely heard his zipper.

“Jake, please…” you would give nearly anything for him to materialize in the room. To listen to his boots clip across the hardwood as he moves, closing in on you until you’re trembling with anticipation.

“Shh, sugar…” he clicks his tongue in mock sympathy, “We wouldn’t want to wake Mr. Wonderful. He doesn’t belong on this porch with us, does he?”

“Tell me.” Your demand falls short through another shaky sigh.

“It’s late, baby,” you can hear it now, the rhythmic, slick slide of his fist along his cock, “and we really should go inside and go to bed, but I can’t take my eyes off of you, you look so fucking stunning in the starlight. You’re curled up next to me in the thinnest, whitest nightie, and I can see the tops of your thighs. So soft and smooth. And I only want to kiss them, but the second I’m on my knees you’re spread open for me like you’ve been waiting for my mouth.”

You’re so wet you can almost pretend your fingers are his tongue drawing tight circles exactly where you need it “And then?”

“Then I slip your panties off, and you give me a little shit about it just for show, but you shut up quick when I start licking along the insides of your thighs. You smell so fucking good, and you taste like heaven, and my cock is so fucking hard for you, but I don’t care about that, all I care about is getting my mouth on you.”

“Do I really taste that good, Jakey?” You pant, arching away from the back of the chair as you slip inside your warmth and fish for compliments.

“You do, baby.” His breath drags in and out of his lungs hard and fast. “You taste so sweet…prettiest, pinkest pussy I’ve ever kissed, you taste like home, you taste like my sugar.”

“Fuck, I’m—“

“Slow down.” He interrupts, sounding gentle in a way he seldom does when he’s hard and throbbing for you. “You just go real slow for me and listen.”

You nod, and though he can’t see you, he seems to feel it all the same.

“I’m on my knees against the porch you helped me strip and sand, and you’re spread open for me on the swing. It creaks every time you move. Your hands are in my hair, but you’re being such a gentle girl, fucking your lovely cunt up into my mouth, begging me softly to suck your spoiled little clit, begging me to make you cum.”

With your fingers fluttering light as air, you can almost imagine it all to be real, and you’re close…so close.

With a choked gasp of your name he pauses, but recovers in a blink, “You’re whining for my fingers, but I want to get you there just like this. I don’t want anything in the way when you finally let go on my tongue. I want to drink you down, baby…every drop. It’s all mine, and I want it. And you let me have you that way, don’t you?”

“Yes,” you nod frantically, writhing in the chair until the blanket falls away, forgotten.

“And you’re going to be such a good girl for me, huh?” That, leading, teasing tone has joined the party, and your stomach is twisting and turning, wringing the lust out of your very soul, “You’re going to be the sweetest little sweetheart and cum right in my mouth because I’m just so fucking thirsty, aren’t you?”

“Oh fuck, Jake…” you’ve hardly made a sound, your constricted throat won’t allow for much more, “Say it again.”

He knows what you want, and like always, he gives it to you without question or thought. “Want you to cum in my mouth right here on the porch, you beautiful fucking filthy girl. I want you, sugar…c’mon and make a mess on my tongue.”

“I’m gonna cum,” you’re spread wide and thrusting into your own touch, but it’s Jake you feel…he’s everywhere, all around you, you’re drenched in him.

“Of course you are, sweetheart,” he soothes, sounding near the end himself, “Because you know how badly I want it, and you’re my girl.”

“I’m your girl,” you whimper, desperate for more more more… “I’m your fucking girl, Jakey. I love you…”

“Love you too, sugar,” a growl rumbles out of him low and menacing. “Love you so fucking much. Come on, baby, c’mon…”

With a fist drawn to your mouth and your teeth dug in deeply, you let it happen. Welcoming that sparking, searing, electric bliss only he seems to be capable of gracing you with, no matter how near or far he happens to be.

You’re quiet somehow, but he doesn’t seem to need anything more than your muted gasps to get there with you. Though on his end, he sounds feral and violent…like the beautiful, seedy underbelly of something you shouldn’t want. Pornographic and obscene. Improper. Dirty. Wrong. Perfect.

With the calm of the afterglow, comes the shame. The guilt. The self-hatred. He knows it all too well already, and rather than drawing attention to what has just happened, he shifts focus to help you through.

“I might order room service. If you were here right now, what would you want? That’s what I’ll get.”

“Hmm,” you think it over, kicking the blanket up from the floor to recover a bit of modesty, “Soup sounds good. Broccoli cheddar if they have it.”

“Soup?” There’s that wide open laugh of his again.

“Yes.” You pretend-pout. “And don’t laugh at me. It sounds divine.”

“Soup it is, sugar.” He sounds soft and a little unlike himself. “We’ve got a small break coming up. It’s only a couple of days, but what if I came to see you?”

“Jake,” you’re preparing to wage a loving war, though you want to see him more than you want the air you breathe to quench your lungs.

“I just want to take you to the movies, that’s all,” he holds up his metaphorical hands innocently. “Will you go see a flick with me? No illegal bottles of water necessary.”

“You want to go to the movies?” You laugh at the idea of it all. So PG in a manner so… not Jake.

“Yep.” He sounds positively delighted at the mirth in your response. “Bring Mr. Wonderful, we’ll have a great time.”

You roll your eyes, stretching out your limbs, which have been tense and contorted for far too long, “Oh, don’t be silly, Jacob, like I would ever share you with Mr. Wonderful.”

Taglist: @gretasintrees @greta-van-chaos @celestialfauna @s0livagant @groggyvanfleet @kiszkathecook @brokenbellz @llightmyllovee @doodle417 @seventieswhore @jake-kiszkas-smirk @weightofdreams-gvf @imdepressedaf1996 @alisonwonderland29 @gretavanfleas @gretavangroove @jakesgrapejuice @sparrowofthedawn @xserenax-13 @tbagggvf @obetrolncocktails @tripthelightfandomtastic @tripthelight-fanfic @jakeslovehandles @poofyloofy @70sgroupielovr @heatmyfleet @age-of-nyahh @sammiboo162 @gretasmokerising @spicedandicedtea @jakekiszkasleftnutsack @saoirsemaeve @mywickeddivinity @thelvnternskeeper @paintmyhouse @mckenna4 @sarakay-gvf @theweightofjake @thewritingbeforesunrise @joshsmama @sammysvanfeet @rhythm-of-space @highladyofasgard @jordie-gvf-admin @calumspretty @sad1lynn @demolitionndann @gvfpal @starcatcher-jake

[wardenparker]

Hummingbird Has Landed, ch 10

Marcus Pike x female reader Co-written with @absurdthirst

After the debacle of his failed engagement and relocating to Washington to take charge of his task force, newly minted Special Agent Marcus Pike is ready to get back out into the dating pool once more. A slew of bad dates has him feeling a little down, and he takes an old friend up on an invitation to get away and get his head on straight. Imagine his surprise when he finds not only fresh air, but his soulmate as well - hiding in plain sight but in the unlikeliest of places.

Rating: Mature, but this blog is always 18+ Word Count: 12.3k Warnings: *Blanket warnings for this series: occasional mention of American politics, pregnant character, food/alcohol consumption, mentions of clothing/regulated dressing for occasions, mentions of therapy because we believe in self care here, reader is in a previous relationship, love triangle, reader is mentioned as turning 30 during the course of the story, dom/sub dynamics* In-laws (nice ones though!), passing mention of federal agents possessing guns, family dynamics, that one family member that married someone awful, the mystery of Agent Bailey begins to unravel, discussion of life in the public eye, planning for the future, discussion of collaring. Summary: After a rather dramatic birthday, heading to Texas to meet Marcus's family seems like a walk in the park. Notes: I am 100% certain that I have missed errors this week, loves. But alas, ya girl is back to working five days a week and she is SO tired. ✌ Please enjoy the chaos that is the Pike extended family!

Ch1 ~ Ch 2 ~ Ch 3 ~ Ch 4 ~ Ch 5 ~ Ch 6 ~ Ch 7 ~ Ch 8 ~ Ch 9

The flight from Washington DC to Dallas is just over three hours long and you had agreed that it would be better to leave early in the morning on Saturday to arrive at his family's compound before lunchtime. The last two weeks have been a dream as you and Marcus spend basically all of your extra time together, sharing dinners after work and alternating beds for overnight stays. He's even come to his first Friday Night Dinner with your family, which makes it all the more appropriate that you're now flying with him to meet his.

Airline points used, Marcus was well aware that on a commercial flight, Agent Bailey would be much more comfortable with First Class and boarding the plane last. Allowing for the rest of the plane to embark so they were not filing past her and you. Now that the flight is closed and you are settled into your seat, he looks over at you with a smile. "Ready for chaos?" He asks playfully, picking up your hand. "My family is....energetic."

“I’m excited,” you assure him. You’re also nervous, but that’s natural. His big family is having their annual springtime get together for the start of baseball season and — according to Marcus — this is the biggest Pike family get together of the year. It’s a week of pickup games with his cousins, big family meals, revisiting old favorite haunts, and catching up on life. It used to be a way to help distract Marcus and his Mom as his Dad started out the new season every year and started traveling, but now it’s just their favorite reason to get together.

“Don’t feel like you have to do anything you don’t feel like.” Marcus insists. “Plenty of times half the cousins or wives and husbands end up in the stands watching and shit talking.”

“Baby if you think I’m not playing at least one game, you’re nuts.” Marcus has been so sweet about reassuring you and making sure you know nothing is expected of you on this trip, but frankly it just sounds like fun. Like the kind of happy chaos that is a complete break from your normal life.

He flashes you a grin. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He admits shamelessly. “After the games, we grill out or eat whatever we threw on the smoker that morning.” He shrugs. “It’s a party the entire time.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” You have been, and you are, and seeing him get excited would make the whole thing worth it even if you weren’t.

“Everyone is excited to meet you.” He promises. “Oh and mom asked if you had any allergies? Food or otherwise?” He shoots you a sheepish grin. “Forgot to ask.”

“Nothing at all. I’ll eat anything you put in front of me and sniff whatever weird Texas plants you guys have got.” A teasing grin counters his embarrassed one. “My brother and I did a campaign stop in Texas; I don’t think there was anything too sniffly in Austin. But I know the state is big.”

“Huge.” He snorts, smirking slightly. “You know what they say. ‘Everything’s bigger in Texas’.” He jokes.

"Oh yeah?" The smirk that forms on your face is immediate and you lean over to nudge his shoulder. "Is that how you grew up so big?"

“Not that big.” He chuckles. “My cousins – the males – are bigger.”

Snorting slightly, you can't help but laugh as you nudge Marcus again. "That sounds painful."

“Shit.” Marcus chokes and shakes his head. “I didn’t mean that.”

"Well good," you're still laughing, juvenile sense of humor on full display even if you're quiet. "Otherwise I'd feel bad for their spouses."

He snorts and leans into press his lips to yours. “I’m the biggest.” He boasts, completely lying and he winks to acknowledge that. Not like him and his cousins have compared…since before puberty.

"Naughty." It's chastising, but you giggle as you steal another kiss as you both settle back in your seats for a short but comfortable flight.

Marcus hums as the flight attendant comes by. “Do you want a mimosa?” He asks softly. “Start our vacation off right?”

"Why not? Let's have a fancy flight." First class is already a bit of an extravagance, and you smile at the flight attendant gratefully. They are well aware of who is on board – Agent Bailey had background checks run on the flight crew as a precaution – and discreetly point out your agent to the gentleman. "And a cup of coffee for the woman in the suit right over there? She'll say she doesn't want anything but I know she'd love a cup right about now."

“Yes madam.” He nods and smiles back at you, finding it refreshing that you aren’t over demanding like some political figures. One asshole really set his teeth on edge last month.

"Thank you so much." The last thing you want to do is make a fuss for the flight crew, and you sit back with Marcus's hand in yours. As nervous as you might be, this is going to be a good week.

“Anywhere you want to see in particular?” Marcus asks, stretching his legs in the extra space the first row gives you. “We don’t have to rent a car. Although I know Agent Bailey will want one of the Secret Service vehicles to follow.

"I want to see whatever you want to show me. Any place you used to hang out when you were growing up, or favorite local places, or even places you've never been that you've always wanted to go." It's his hometown, after all, even if he wasn't born there. Texas is where he became the Marcus that you know and love.

“There’s a band that’s playing Friday night.” Marcus tells you. “At the bar where I used to play.” He chuckles. “It’s my old bandmates.”

"One hundred percent." Your agreement is absolutely instant and there is a giant smile on your face. "No contest. It will be the perfect way to spend our last night in Dallas. Well...last night for now. I know we'll come back plenty of times."

“Awesome.” His grin is wide, happy that you would want to listen to some music and hang out. Potentially meeting old friends. “Then that’s what we’ll do. You’ll like the place.”

"I'll love it." Just like everything else this week, you're looking forward to it because it's something that you'll share with him. It's the early memories of your relationship, as you share the things with each other that made you who you are.

The family compound is exactly that. A compound. Built during the first contract with the Yankees, Pike’s Place as it was fondly referred to, had started out as a way for Marcus’s dad to build the retirement home of his parents’ dreams and ended up being the multi-generational property it is today.

There are more than a half dozen buildings in the property, a large pool and a garden, and even their own personal baseball diamond. It’s like having a resort built specifically for his family. Stuck smack in the middle between a ranch to the south and another large family property to the north, no one would even have any idea that neighbors existed around here if they weren’t told about it.

The main house is a beautiful American Craftsman-style building with a deep front porch and a swing out front, painted bold blue and white against the yellow Texas sun. Matthew and Donna Pike’s house is well-appointed but far bigger than it looks on the outside, and all around it is a stunning garden that they keep together as a shared hobby. The backyard sprawls on endlessly, but for right now you can see more cars than people. It looks like everyone is congregating with Uncle Matt and Aunt Donna.

Marcus’s smile gets visibly wider the closer you get and when the car stops, he’s almost vibrating with joy. He’s not nervous at all, knowing that his entire family will adore you. “Are you ready?” He asks again, not even waiting to the reply before he is shooting out of the car to open the door for you.

“You didn’t tell me you grew up in the cutest place on Earth,” you tease happily, practically giggling at how picturesque it is as you get out of the rental car.

“It’s home.” He looks around the property proudly. “Even when we were living somewhere else because of dad’s job, this was always home.”

“It’s beautiful.” You squeeze into his side and grin back at Agent Bailey as she gets out of the second rental car. “I hope you get to relax a little while we’re down here, too. It’s got to be a hell of a nice change of pace from looking at the inn every day.”

Agent Bailey notes the fence that seems to stretch around the property with approval. “We might be more secure here.”

“Glad to hear it.” Anything that makes her more comfortable is more than okay with you. With as hard as she works, she deserves to be able relax whenever she can.

“Dad installed a fence when he had some fans come up to the house when he was on an away trip.” Marcus explains. They had done one of those ‘where the star athletes live’ things in the Sports Illustrated magazine and someone figured out where it was.” He shakes his head. “Dad was furious, and the compound got an upgrade.”

“Sounds like a solid response to me,” the Secret Service agent agrees as she looks around the property.

“Although, he does open the compound up for youth programs. Training, spending the day with baseball players.” Marcus smiles proudly.

“I love how proud of him you are.” You slip your hand into Marcus’s again and give him a beaming smile. “Time for the chaos, baby. Let’s do it.”

Marcus laughs as the two of you hear the playful shouts from the backyard. The little welcoming barbecue that your father had insisted on was already in full swing. He can’t wait to see how you take all of his cousins and nieces and nephews wearing name tags.

It only takes about a second before someone notices you, letting out a boisterous shout across the yard and garden. “Well, looky what the cat dragged in!”

“Charlie.” Marcus leans in to tell you as every head turns your way. “First cousin from my mom’s side. Can’t believe he’s the first one.”

“Is Charlie not usually this friendly?” You ask under your breath, smiling and waving as more and more heads turn your way.

“Just…unobservant.” Marcus hums, smiling wider when his mother drops her platter of finger foods on a table and rushes forward. “You made it!”

Dr. Donna Pike is a tall woman with a wide smile and honey brown eyes, but right now her most noticeable feature is her long arms which reach out to fold out her only son like a protective mama bird. "Flight was okay?" She asks, smiling at Marcus's nod before she shifts over to hug you in turn.

When she had been told that Marcus had found his soulmate, she had been thrilled. Not because he had to be with his soulmate, she wasn’t narrow minded like that, but because he’s always had so much love to give. She can only hope that you will do well receiving it and return a fraction of it back to him. The others hadn’t seen how pure his heart is. She says your name and squeezes you tight. “How are you? It’s such a delight to meet you.”

"Thank you for having me." Her hands are on your shoulder and it's instantly obvious where Marcus's beaming smile comes from. "I've heard so many wonderful things from Marcus about his family, I'm really excited to meet everyone."

“Well if anyone is too much, or we all are, you just tell us to go away.” She snorts, shooting you a grin. “We are a bit much as a collective.”

"I promise my threshold for much is very high." It has to be, with the kind of people that are always around political figures, but this week is not about you. You do smile again, though, and urge Agent Bailey to come closer than her usual three steps away. "And thank you for understanding that things are not very conventional for me right now. This is Agent Bailey. She's my duty agent and an absolutely superb human."

Donna smiles at the agent, although she doesn’t attempt to hug her. Aware that it might be deemed as threatening. “She is also extremely welcomed.” She nods and offers her hand. “I hope you can relax and have some fun as well, Agent Bailey. We have a comfortable room set up for you at the top of the stairs, just down the hall from them.”

"Thank you, Dr. Pike." Agent Bailey accepts the handshake gratefully. Some people perceive her presence as threatening and that just isn't the case. Especially not here.

“Please, call me Donna.” She insists. “Now, we’ve told the children they are not to ask about your gun, but I do hope that you will change out of your suit into more weather appropriate clothes?” She asks. “Texas is too hot for bespoke all day.”

Agent Bailey actually laughs at that, and you smile when she nods. "I'll be dressed down while I'm here, don't worry about that. Being conspicuous doesn't do much good in protection most of the time."

“Good.” Marcus’s mother smiles. “I’ve also taken the liberty of moving Marcus’s gun safe into your room. For when you are needing to secure it.” She frowns and looks towards Marcus. “Did you bring your own, sweetheart? I didn’t think to ask.”

"Very kind of you, ma'am, but not necessary." Agent Bailey assures her. "I have a portal safe in my luggage. Agent Pike also has his firearm so we'll both be secure and safe that way."

“Told you.” Matthew Pike snakes his arm around his wife and kisses her cheek. “Always overthinking. But I love it.”

"Precautions are good, sweetheart," Donna reminds him, but she smiles.

Marcus and his father could be twins, except for the older man has more pronounced wrinkles from a career spent in the sun. “So this is the gorgeous creature the universe paired you with?” He unwinds his arm from around his own soulmate to pull his son into a bear hug. “Aren’t you a lucky man?”

"I swore I was only going to do this once while we were here." Standing beside Marcus and practically vibrating, you know you probably look silly but you don't care. "Mr. Pike, I am a huge fan and I promise there will be no more fangirling from this point on, but I just wanted to say that once."

There’s a grin that matches his son’s, currently on both of the Pike men’s faces. “Marcus….she has taste.” He teases, winking at you and pulling you in for a hug. “You can fangirl all you like, sweetheart.”

“I’m just very excited to be here,” you admit, laughing as you hug your soulmate’s father in turn. “Marcus…he’s absolutely amazing. I hope you’re as proud of him as he is of both of you.”

“More-so.” Matthew promises, already liking you. “Although, let’s get you settled and a first drink in your hand before we introduce you to everyone else, hm?”

You and Marcus follow his parents through the house and Agent Bailey notes the features of the house with interest but doesn’t interfere. So far, everything is straight forward. She just hopes it stays that way. For your sake.

The tour of the house is easy. A large, open concept main living area is perfect for entertaining, and lines of sight. “Our bedroom is downstairs.” Donna explains. “So you kids will have the top floor to yourselves. Everyone else is staying in the bunkhouse this trip.”

The bunkhouse, as it has been explained to you, is the largest building on the compound which basically amounts to a Pike family motel. Plenty of parking and plenty of rooms to stay in makes it the place that is customarily occupied by Marcus's enormous brood of cousins. "And I'm sure Marcus told you," Matthew glances back at you as the five of you walk together. "But the basement is a game room. Foosball table, game systems, all that kind of thing."

“I was going to show her.” Marcus admits with a shrug. “But she’s bowled in the White House, I doubt our game room would impress her.”

"You are seriously underestimating my love of foosball," you assure Marcus. "I'm terrible at it, but I love it."

“Don’t worry.” Matthew chuckles. “My son excels at pool but cannot figure out a foosball table.”

"Then we can be terrible together," you decide, thankfully garnering a laugh from both Marcus and his parents.

“Which will be a lot of fun.” Marcus chuckles. “When bad weather rolls through, we enjoy the game room and there are people everywhere.” He warns. “One time, we had a checkers tournament, so all the little kids could be involved too.”

The group of you stop in the kitchen for large glasses of sweet tea, and Agent Bailey excuses herself to bring her things upstairs and change into some more civilian-oriented clothes. There are pictures of the family all around the house, but none as prevalent as the pictures of Marcus. His graduations, his triumphs, and some absolutely adorable childhood photos adorn the walls of the house, and you smile at every single one. At one time his wedding picture must have hung on these walls too, or other pictures of him and Lara, and for a moment your heart clenches with regret that he was ever hurt but swells with the knowledge that he’ll never be hurt like that again. The next wedding pictures on these walls will be of you with him, and those will never be coming down.

“Home sweet home.” Marcus hums, watching you take in the space that he had mostly grown up in.

“Ready kids?” Matthew Pike chuckles, opening the sliding kitchen doors to the backyard with great ceremony.

“Don’t worry.” Marcus quickly assures you. “Everyone has had their rabies shots. So they aren’t as feral as they seem.”

For all the teasing, the hugs from his cousins are immediate. They descend on you like a swarm of eager birds, flapping their wings and chattering away as they all introduce themselves and say how happy they are to see Marcus and to meet you.

Marcus smiles at every one of them. Greets them like long lost friends, which they are. They are the friends of his entire childhood and he's happy to introduce you.

A man wearing a name tag that marks him as Uncle Rob holds up two more name tags proudly — one emblazoned Marcus and the other Birdie. “Marcus told us you prefer your nickname,” his father explains with a grin.

“It’s perfect,” you assure them, taking the name tag with a bursting heart. “Absolutely perfect.”

“Uncle Rob is a treasure.” Marcus tells you as he is pulled into a hug and slaps his uncle’s back.

"Uncle Rob is his mother's younger brother," the man clarifies with a happy grin. "Four of the cousins are ours, but I won't quiz you on the family tree just yet."

"I appreciate that." Your laugh of acknowledgement comes easily. "But I've been studying, I promise."

Marcus laughs, knowing how worried you had been over this visit, and it seems as if you are blending in well. He reaches out and squeezes your hip affectionately. “She’s a quick study.”

"Probably mandatory." One of his cousins – her nametag says Selena – teases as she offers you a hug. "Can't imagine the way family debates go when your Mom is the President."

"They're....active." You admit with another laugh. The hug is readily accepted, too. Pikes are apparently very huggy people. "I'm just glad we don't have to come up with opening and closing arguments."

She laughs and nods. “No, but here you might be asked the ERA or RBI stats of anyone you are a ‘fan’ of.” She advises. “So beware.”

"I can absolutely handle stats." For some reason Selena's energy is a lot more calm and reassuring than some of the other cousins, and you feel a little more at ease with her at the moment. "Most of the time I've got those on lock even when nobody's asked."

“How do you take your hotdog?” She asks, narrowing her eyes playfully. “Get it right and we can be friends.”

"It's not gonna be what you want it to be," you laugh, though you do appreciate the way Selena measures her new acquaintances. "I'm from Philly, so pepper hash and spicy mustard."

Her frown is replaced by a smirk and she nods. “You didn’t say ketchup, so you’re good in my book.” She smirks, eyeing Marcus who is huffing and rolling his eyes. “I don’t claim her.” He snorts.

"Too bad," you tease back, looping your arm through his cousin's. "She's delightful and I'm adopting her immediately."

“She’s not housebroken.” He warns, ducking the playful swat she aims towards him.

"Neither is my brother, and we let him into the White House," you snort, laughing even harder when Selena snickers.

Matthew chuckles and he pats his son on the shoulder. “Too late now, son, Selena has charmed her.” He advises.

"I steal hearts," the woman beside you jokes, throwing you an exaggerated wink. "My parents named me after Selena Kyle. It's not my fault."

“Last year you said you were named after Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.” He reminds her with a grin, slapping away her hand again and tapping her chin fondly. “You were lying?” Of course she was, considering she was nine when Selena rose to fame.

"You should keep the Catwoman reference," you advise her with a grin. "Mysterious and nerdy. Very sexy choices."

“See?” Selena smugly grins at Marcus. “Your soulmate has taste.”

Marcus can’t help but grin at that. “So I keep hearing.”

“I have the very best taste.” You agree with that assessment wholeheartedly, leaning back over to Marcus to kiss his cheek.

That makes him laugh quietly and he leans in to hug Selena. “You do. Especially in soulmates.” He teases.

“Oh no.” Pretending to be grossed out, Selena rolls her eyes dramatically but is smiling fully at seeing her cousin happy. “Did you finally find someone as gross as you are when you’re in love?”

“Grosser.” Marcus hums, grinning at you lovingly. “My perfect match.”

“Stop hogging them!” A voice calls out from halfway down the yard, and yet another of Marcus’s smiling cousins can be seen lounging on a picnic table. “We all need to get our annual harassment in, ya know!”

“Oh god.” Marcus hangs his head, even as he laughs. He knows everything is in good fun and he will be harassing them right back.

Thank god for the nametags. You'd be utterly lost without them, even after the flashcards you made for yourself with permission from Marcus to scout his Facebook page for photos of his family. There are just too many of them. The conversations swirl and so do the introductions, but Marcus sticks with you. By the time everyone starts eating the conversation dies down a little and you find yourself at a table with Marcus, his parents, Selena, and her twin sister Harper. Plates of barbecue and cold salads come with fresh glasses of cold sweet tea or cans of soda, and the most relaxed atmosphere of chaos you've been in the middle of in a long time. In your book, this is vastly preferable to a State dinner.

“So what do you think?” Even Agent Bailey has a plate and a drink in her hand, talking to Rodger, one of his dad’s oldest friends. He always comes to these weeks. “She’s gonna relax some?”

"Seems like it." The sight of Agent Bailey socializing is like a miracle to you. A unicorn in real life if ever you saw one. "Any chance your Dad's friend is a beer guy? I found out last week that Agent Bailey brews her own as a hobby and I am endlessly fascinated by all the niche hobbies I keep finding out she has."

Marcus chuckles. “Rodger owns the brewery that supplies the Rangers with the Pike’s Pints.” He explains. “So he’s kind of a renaissance man when it comes to beer.”

"So she has a new best friend?" You laugh, leaning into his side as you eat. "That's fantastic. I hope she has some new ideas to be excited about by the time the week is out."

“My question is this…when does she have time?” He asks, shaking his head. “She’s always with you.”

"I don't think she sleeps." It's a question you've asked yourself plenty of times, but have yet to find an answer. "Apparently she has a dog and a husband and everything? A whole damn life. I'm so glad that doing the job she does hasn't kept her from it."

“Holy shit.” He snorts and looks back at the woman in question with more than slight admiration. “She’s a superhero.”

"She really is." There's no denying that whatsoever.

The meal progresses and his mother smiles at you. “So please, tell me about your inn.” She insists. “Marcus said that you have created a beautiful oasis.”

"It's my happy place." The question – and the description – make you beam. "And...sort of my first child, as well. I bought it from the previous owners a few years ago and my best friend runs the restaurant. It's a beautiful historical property in Alexandria, just outside of DC."

“It sounds like it’s your baby.” She smiles happily and nods. “He has had nothing but praise for it, and you, since his first phone call.”

"He's been wonderfully supportive. I couldn't ask for a more understanding or helpful partner." You do flash him a grin, though, and decide to rat him out to his mother just a tiny bit. "I do think the restaurant is at least half the reason he spends so much time there, though. It's amazing."

“He has always led with his stomach.” Donna snorts, shooting you a conspiratorial grin. “When he was a teen, he was always starving.” She intones dramatically.

"Isn't that how all teenage boys are made?" The laugh you share isn't at his expense, just shared amusement, and you pick up your sandwich again. "At least, my brother was always that way. I swear he ate six meals a day from ages twelve to twenty."

Marcus laughs and Donna rolls her eyes. “Marcus still sometimes eats six meals a day.” She snorts. “At least that’s the way it sounds when he calls. Always snacking.”

“That’s probably my fault these days,” you admit with a guilty grin. “I’m a snacker. Maybe that’s just another fun little quirk in the broad scheme of things.”

“I just have to run more.” Marcus chuckles, picking up a pickle spear and biting it in half. “So I can still beat everyone here stealing second.”

“We’ll see.” Selena narrows her eyes at him in challenge. “I’ve been training.”

“Oh you have, have you?” Marcus snorts and winks at his cousin. “Twenty bucks says I steal more bases than you.”

“Fine,” Selena shrugs, smirking as she leans back in her seat. “I’ll be out there stealing more hearts, anyway.”

“I’ve already got the heart I want.” Marcus informs her, picking up your hand and kissing the back of it dramatically.

“I love you, too.” Over the weeks, the promise has become stronger between the two of you and little daydreams about the future don’t seem so far off anymore — though you haven’t really planned anything beyond agreeing that you want to be together.

"See?" He smirks towards Selena with a fluttering of his lashes. "She loves me, so I am complete."

“You’re completely gross and I’m very happy for you,” Selena teases back. “You’ll have the picturesque wedding you always dreamed of, and a million kids, and make an east coast version of Pike Place.”

"Ohhhhh." He tilts his head curiously as he looks back at you. "Modern day Kennedy Compound?" He suggests. "Our version of Hyannis Port at the inn?"

“That’s a lot bigger than a little colonial cottage at the back of the grounds,” you remind him, but the idea makes your chest swell with absolute love. “But I think if we build at the back of the property we could do a bigger house and get away with it. People wouldn’t even be able to tell the two are connected.”

He smiles at the idea. "We will have to find out who owns the property adjoining yours." He hums. "Expand."

“So you’re already talking about a family, then?” His father, obviously enamored of the thought, smiles broadly. His son has always been a family man, even when that definition just meant his best friends were his cousins.

"We are planning out a lot of things." Marcus admits with a grin, unable to contain the happiness at the idea. "Not sure when that's going to happen, but we are on the same page."

“Maybe sometime before we’re too old and gray to travel all the way to DC?” Matthew jokes, although he’s only half joking.

You groan quietly and Marcus smirks as he looks at you expectantly. "Told you." He laughs. "You said your parents would be first, but I knew it was going to be mine."

“I’m still shocked my Dad didn’t bring it up at dinner last night,” you admit. You had been absolutely certain that your folks would use Friday night dinner as a chance to interview you about your intentions as a couple.

"I'm sure he wanted to." He laughs. "But we've classified that as Need To Know." He jokes.

“That may be the only way to survive with them.” Still, you can’t help but let the smile grow on your face. “By their standards, we’re taking positively forever.”

"I guess that means we should just run off to Vegas and get married." Marcus teases with a wink. "Really mess with their expectations."

“We would have four parents very upset with us,” you remind him. Every time you joke about getting married or have a little daydream it just sounds better and better, but you would never push him to elope. His family means to much to him, just like yours does to you.

"Yes they would." Donna points her fork at him playfully. "I don't care how you get married, I just want to be there."

“Yes ma’am.” That gets an instant agreement from you — not at all ready to set the precedence of going against your future mother-in-law about something like this.

"Good." She smiles in approval and smirks at her husband. "We will clear our schedules whenever they decide on a date."

"Well," you laugh, leaning into Marcus's side. "I guess you were right about not needing to worry over their approval."

“The fact that I love you is all my parents ever need to know.” He smiles and Matthew nods. “Marcus has a good head on his shoulders and a heart of gold. With you being his soulmate, you have to be the same.”

For dinner on your second night in Texas, Marcus promises to take care of everything and disappears with a grin on his face while his mother and Selena take you on a long walk around the large gardens of the compound. Anticipating a little girl talk and some bonding with his family, you had readily agreed.

“So how are you liking Texas, Birdie?” Donna asks curiously as the three of you stroll in the warm morning. You have been a dream to have visit and it’s obvious that you adore Marcus, so she has loved you being here. She just wants to make sure the feeling is mutual.

“It’s beautiful.” It’s not too hot yet, being the beginning of April, and walking around the compound is a nice way to settle in and work off the big breakfast everyone had this morning. “I’ve only been here once before and this is far less stressful.”

“I am sure the campaign trail was never relaxing.” She sympathizes softly. “Although, if you have to take up the trail again, we can offer you a respite from the questions and prying wherever we can.” With being her baby’s soulmate, she will be just as protective over you.

“I’m sure when re-election comes, I’ll be volunteering to come to Texas again just to be able to see my in-laws.” The thought is actually relaxing, to be able to take respite with such kind people, but the in-laws part excites you a bit.

“In-laws.” She beams when you say that. “Now I promise I won’t insist that you call me ‘mother’ or anything, but I hope that we can be friends.”

“Let’s start with Donna and Birdie and go from there,” you suggest, smiling just as broadly as she is. “I absolutely want us to be friends. Marcus loves you all so much and I know it means the world to him.”

“He is our only child, and we want him to be happy.” She promises. “But that doesn’t mean smothering him or not letting him live his life.” She laughs. “Matthew almost had a heart attack when he came home one break to find Marcus with shoulder length hair and an earring. But he never said a word.”

“Oh, please tell me you have pictures of that.” Marcus had told you about his long hair phase, but claimed no photos remained. You’ve been hoping that his parents have one tucked away somewhere.

Donna grins. “I have them all.” She promises. “Snuck them up to the attic before he could burn them.”

“He looks like the nerdiest member of Nirvana,” Selena snorts, giggling with the jovial malice only family can truly master.

“He was…too polite to really pull off the grunge look.” Donna admits, smiling at Selena’s almost evil outlook.

“He’s such a sweetheart.” There are hearts in your eyes when you say it and you don’t care to hide them one bit. “It’s—he’s better than I could have dreamed of for myself. Truly.”

“I have to confess….” Donna looks out over the gardens and sighs. “I have been so very worried about Marcus. He’s is such a loving man. He always has been, from the time he was a baby. But when he called me to say he had discovered his soulmate…” she looks back at you. “I was so very afraid that you wouldn’t understand his heart.”

“How do you mean?” She obvious cares for her son very deeply, and you do want to make sure that the relationship you have with her is honest. No misunderstandings if you can help it — which means asking for clarification. “Because he’s so giving and quick to jump in headfirst?”

“Yes….and no.” She admits. “Marcus is….well, he’s a caretaker. A fixer. You have a problem, he comes up with a solution. You feel tired and down, he will take some of your burden and try to cheer you up.” She sighs softly. “Oftentimes, so many women have been conditioned to be strong, independent, so they view that as misogyny or finding them helpless. It’s insulting to them and they resent him for it.”

“They don’t understand that offering care is his way of being supportive. It’s not that he doesn’t think they can do it themselves, it’s that he views being helpful as a romantic gesture as much as anything else.” You nod, understanding that entirely. “I think the hardest part for Marcus and me right now is that we’re both like that a lot of the time. Which means we’re constantly doing little fixes or giving little gifts or making little gestures. We’re still finding the balance.”

“That makes me feel better.” She admits with a smile. “You understand his need in doing it.”

“He wants me to know I don’t have to do it alone,” you acknowledge, offering her a smile as you walk. “And I want to make sure he knows the same.”

“You two truly are soulmates.” She chuckles. “And I have never been more happy to say those words.”

“Just as happy as I am to hear them, I promise you.” Stopping in your steady tracks, you touch her arm gently and offer her a slightly more serious look. “A lot of people interpreted the things I said on the campaign trail to mean that I’m against soulmates, but I’m absolutely not. I just don’t think anyone should be discriminated against for who they love. Anyone, and unfortunately a lot of people still believe only soulmates should be able to get married.”

“Those people…in my most professional opinion…” Donna snorts. “Are assholes.”

“Agreed.” You nod your head but Selena snorts at her aunts phrasing as the three of you start walking again.

“Do you have any specific plans while you are here?” Donna asks, curious if you had wanted to spend the entire time at the compound.

“I want to see whatever Marcus wants to show me.” It seems like an easy answer, but honestly you’re just here to meet his family and spent time with your soulmate. Anything more is a bonus. “Or anything you guys have in mind. I just…” you shrug in admission. “I never take vacations. So I’m reminding myself not to worry about work and trying to relax.”

“A workaholic.” She smirks slightly. “Something I’m very well-versed in.” She teases.

"Can't exactly stop yourself from taking work home with you when you live at work," you admit with a grin.

“As long as it’s work you love, I don’t see a problem with it.” Donna tells you.

"I really do." They already know that, of course, from how much and how proudly you talk about the inn. But still, you're beaming. "Marcus suggested we look at building our house on the property since I already own it, and I think it's only going to be a little while before we start in on that plan."

Building something together is something that Donna highly approves of. She nods. “Word of advice?” She offers with a smirk. “Have a general contractor negotiate any and all disagreements.”

"Noted," you agree instantly, knowing that Marcus's parents have a whole lifetime of experience in this particular area.

“It will solve a lot of arguments.” She rolls her eyes and laughs. “Over tile size!”

When Selena snorts out a laugh you have to suppose it's a family joke or at least and a family story, and you laugh too. "It's always something small, isn't it?"

“Yep.” She shakes her head and laughs. “One fight was about if the dishwasher should be on the left or right side of the sink.” She huffs. “Matthew rarely loaded the dishwasher, but thought that it continuously unfair to live in a right handed world as a leftie.” She rolls her eyes again, although it’s more amusement than annoyance.

Small things always seem large when they're under the microscope, and you can see how those things could get out of hand. But fortunately, from what you and Marcus have talked about so far, you're mostly on the same page right from the start. "I can see us tussling over little things pretty easily, but I think it will all turn out pretty well in the end. It's definitely a solid way to work through our skills in compromise and communication, though."

“Marcus knows how to communicate.” She promises. “He’s good at it, and if he’s not, I’ll give you free sessions.” She jokes, knowing the last thing any couple would want is to have an in-law involved.

"You'll be glad to hear that I have an excellent therapist to help me handle stressors and any manner of other unexpected event in my life that I need extra help in processing." The importance of simply having an impartial third party is not lost on you, but having a professionally trained and educated one is all the more important when possible stressors could include death threats sent to your family members.

“Very glad.” She nods and reaches out to pat your hand gently. “You are under a lot of pressure. That is obvious.”

"When we get back I have a meeting at the White House." Though you shudder for dramatic emphasis, it is unnerving. Those meetings about social outreach and the image of the First Family had gone well for Junie and Alex but since you're fairly certain what your mother will ask of you, you're dreading it.

“If you ever want to talk, just to vent, you can call me.” Donna offers softly. “Not in a professional capacity, although anything you say would be kept between us.”

"I really appreciate that." It's not something she has to offer. Not at all. But you're so grateful that your soulmate's parents have so far turned out to be wonderful people.

“Of course.” You might not take her up on the offer, but she wanted to extend it.

"And I hope you know you're always welcome in DC. Anytime, no hesitations." You swing back to grin at Selena on your other side. "You too. We could use another partner in crime."

“I am absolutely going to come visit.” Donna promised, and Selena nods eagerly. “Me too! I want to see this inn.”

"If you want to come and stay there, I'll have a word with the owner," you joke, and throw in a wink.

“And the food.” Donna insists. “Marcus has raved about your best friend, Sydney.”

"She's an absolute goddess." You promise them both. Building up your friends and loved ones is always easy for you. "Just the most talented chef you could possibly imagine. And an amazing person, to boot."

“She has to be.” Selena isn’t joking this time. “Marcus doesn’t waste time on people who aren’t amazing.” Now she gives a small, preening grin. “Which is why he loves me so much.” She jokes.

“I know what it is.” After about one full day of hanging out with Selena, you’ve narrowed down why it is that you are so comfortable with her, and it makes you laugh endlessly. “You’re exactly halfway between my best friend and my brother. Who are two of my top three favourite people in the world, despite the crap I give my little brother on a daily basis.”

“That sounds like a high compliment if I’ve ever heard one.” She laughs. “I’m the little sister Marcus never wished he had.”

“He loves all of you like siblings.” Even if he hadn’t said so explicitly, it’s easy to tell.

“We grew up together.” She agrees. “Even if we lived apart, summers together were important. Holidays spent driving each other and our parents crazy.” There’s a fond smile on her face. “Hopefully our kids will experience the same things.”

“I hope so, too.” The idea head settled into your bones and made you sunny with daydreams. “My siblings’ kids, too. The biggest family we can possibly make for them, since we never had any cousins growing up.”

“Pikes tend to assimilate the families that join them.” Donna shoots you a grin. “They are like the Borg.”

“That’s how we collected friends when I was a kid,” you laugh. The Pikes are definitely not like the Borg — they all feel far too much for that and you adore it. “Make friends with one of the three of us and suddenly you were just another family member.”

“That sounds familiar.” Selena snorts. “We love having people around. The more the merrier.”

“Absolutely.” The morning sun has hit the top of the sky but it’s not too hot, just making you stop warding off the crisp breeze as it disappears into a mellow midday.

“If you don’t mind me asking…” Selena hesitates. “There was some talk about you dating a Congressman?”

There it is. You were wondering how long it would take someone to ask the very fair question. At least it’s Selena and not Cousin Terry’s wife Hannah who seems to distrust you purely for being the daughter of a politician. Which…is also fair…just not a stereotype that applies to you personally. “I was. For almost a year. I was still seeing him when Marcus and I met, but…” you shrug your shoulders a little, with honesty in the sheepishness. “I fell in love with Marcus so fast, and so deeply. Even if he hadn’t turned out to be my soulmate, I still would have ended things with my ex.”

“I didn’t want to pry, I just hadn’t seen anything about a break up and wanted to know if you were ‘public’ yet.” Selena reassures you. “There’s already been a message in the family chat about not posting while we are here on social media. So we don’t potentially ‘out’ your relationship.”

“It will be out by Easter.” Breathing a sigh of relief isn’t subtle, so you swallow it down and simply tighten your smile into an affirmative. “He’s coming to the Easter Egg Roll at the White House with me. After that, just…try to be conscious of people asking about family photos? If you’ve got ones with Marcus and me in them, we’ll just ask everyone to keep them private. You know, friends only.”

“We are used to that.” She nods and sends you a smile. “We’ve got your back. Don’t worry. No one here is going to judge you. Besides Hannah.” She snorts. “And let’s be honest, she’s a bitch.” Donna chokes out a laugh, quickly smothered, and swats at Selena’s butt from behind you. “Selena!” She scolds, obviously still trying not to laugh.

“Oh.” This time the relief whooshes out of you, but you end up laughing. “So it’s not just me?”

“Hannah is…the least comfortable with the easy, familial closeness of our family.” Donna snorts. “When she first started coming, there was an…accusation.” She hums delicately.

“What could poss—” As soon as your mind spins on it for long enough to actually ask the question, your mouth falls open in horror. “Oh my god! That’s—obviously, obviously I don’t think that. Please know that I have never ever thought that.”

“You don’t think I’m sleeping with Terry?” Selena snorts. “Thank God!”

“No, I definitely do not think you’re sleeping with your first cousin,” you laugh but still shudder.

“Apparently, Hannah doesn’t believe men and women can be friends. Not even relatives.” Selena shrugs. “So if it seems like all the female cousins keep their distance from Terry, it’s not because he’s a pervert. He’s actually amazing. His soulmate is just fucking nuts.”

“Got it.” Even though you flash a thumbs up in acknowledgment, all you can think of is how glad you are that Marcus didn’t stay with Vanessa. She would have hated this for the exact same reason. Probably been Hannah’s only ally.

“Hannah isn’t all bad.” Donna adds, trying to soften it some. “Just….a little…set in her ways. But honestly, this is the only time of year they come. They rarely join other holidays.” She looks over at you. “And pleased don’t think that we expect you to come for every holiday, but we will invite you.”

“We’ll come as often as we can.” You can promise that easily, though you know sometimes he’ll have to work and you’ll have to be at official events with your family. “It…will be easier once my mother is out of office.”

“I understand.” Donna is well aware of the demands of public figures. She had to be seen at a certain number of games and it was her own personal mission to attend the post seasons games any time Matthews’s teams made it. “Just know that we want what is best for you.”

“And that is so much more appreciated than you could know.” Maybe she does. Maybe she understands every bit of it. But because you appreciate the honesty of the words from your soulmate’s mother so much more than you expected to, you leave the phrasing as it is. No stumbling or correcting.

Donna winks at you and links her arm through yours. “You and I are going to be good friends.” She predicts with a happy smile. Marcus is over the moon in love with you and from what she could see, you are much the same. There is nothing more than Donna could ever wish for her baby, to find a smart, loving, good person – and you fit that bill perfectly.

Most of the day is spent in the massive pool down by the bunkhouse, with a little day drinking and a whole lot of horsing around and even a little heckling when some of the cousins got into a competition over best diving form — which quickly degraded into silliest dive. Now it’s sunset, and you’ve thrown a shirt and shorts over your dried out swimsuit for Marcus’s surprise.

“Hey babe.” Marcus finds you again, smiling at the relaxed smile on your face and he hands you a new drink. “You look like you’ve had a good time.”

"Well howdy stranger!" A slight affectation in your voice is just to make him laugh, and you grin when it succeeds. "Where have you been all day? Did you have fun with your Dad?" Matthew Pike had disappeared after breakfast along with his son, and when you had remarked on it to Donna during your walk, she had just said not to worry.

“Of course.” He grins, unable to stop himself as he moves over to caress your neck. “I was taking care of a few things for tonight. Why? Did you miss me?”

"Every second." And you don't care who knows it either. You sit up in your chair and stretch a little more to kiss him, catching the fresh scent of the bodywash he favors as it mixes with his bergamot and musk cologne. He's fresh and clean and it makes you wonder what he's been up to as much as it makes you want to drag him up to his bedroom.

“Good.” He smirks against your lips and offers you his hand as he steps out of your sphere. “Come on.”

"Ooo, is it surprise time?" The look of delight on your face is undisguised as you readily take his hand to pop up from your seat. "I'm all yours."

“Yes you are.” He beams about that fact as he pulls you closer. “Say goodnight to everyone, Birdie.” He hums quietly. “We probably won’t see them again tonight.”

"Good night everybody!" You wave immediately, wrapping your arm around Marcus's waist and barely sparing a backward glance in favor of grinning up at him.

“Damn.” He whistles as he guides you away from the pool and over to the truck. He’s already talked to agent Bailey and cleared things with her, so he just nods as the two of you pass by.

“Damn what?” You pose, laughing a little as you wonder if he’s amused at how quickly you’re ready to leave just about anyone behind to spend time with him.

“I could be a kidnapper and you would just go willingly.” He teases, reaching out and tugging on your ear gently.

“You’d be the best looking kidnapper around and Agent Bailey would have a hell of a time bringing me home,” you tease, hopping into the pickup when he opens the passenger door for you.

“Yep, you have Stockholm Syndrome.” He teases, leaning in to steal one more kiss before he closes the door and hurries around the hood.

Once he’s back in the cab beside you, you flash him a grin. “Belle got a library, I got the softest dom in the whole world and awesome in-laws. I’m okay with it.”

“Softest dom?” He snorts, tilting his head while he tries, and fails to look offended. “I’m a hard dom.” He protests.

"How hard you fuck me when we get going is not what I mean," you clarify, settling into the corner of the seat as he starts to drive the two of you across the compound. "You have the softest heart in the world and I feel very lucky to be the one you've decided to give it to."

“I know.” He promises. “I was teasing. I want you to be happy, healthy and loved. That’s all I want.”

"I am. All three, absolutely." Leaning against his shoulder on the drive, you hum slightly and end up sounding a little sheepish as you look out the window. "I missed you today. Even though we weren't apart too long."

He chuckles slightly and lifts your hand to press a kiss to your knuckles and scrapes his teeth over the delicate skin. “I’ll show you how hard of a dom I am.” He teases. “I’ll put a collar on you.”

Not expected that reaction from him, you make a remarkably incoherent noise of interest and surprise before turning your head to look at him. "Don't tempt me with a good time, Pike."

He had been joking, but the way you react has him pausing. “Is that something you’re interested in?” He keeps the question casual, not wanting to seem like he’s pushing or judging, he’s doing neither.

"I always thought it sounded kind of sexy," you admit, wondering if he was just joking and not serious at all. "I mean it's not like...like something mandatory for me to be happy in a relationship, obviously. If--if you're not into that and at all and you were just joking—"

“Baby.” Marcus squeezes your hand. “Anything you are interested in is something we can talk about. If it’s an absolute no, then I’ll explain why. But I think it sounds kind of sexy too. Collars don’t have to be spiked dog collars where I pull you around on a leash and make you bark.” He snorts.

"A lot of day collars just look like cute little necklaces." Alright, you may or may not have done a little looking into it a few years ago with the guy you were seeing at the time. He was long gone now, but the idea had remained in your head. It was not something Sam would have gone for so it had never been brought up to him.

His brow ticks up, noting your interests and he hums. “They do.” He agrees. “Something sexy about being claimed, isn’t there?”

"Absolutely." He turns left at a pair of apple trees on the western part of the compound and keeps going, while you continue to snuggle next to him like a contented house cat. "I mean...I'm wearing a Pike family nametag. That's about as claimed as it gets."

“Not quite.” Marcus chuckles. “There’s definitely more claiming that can be done.”

"Is that a promise?" You tease, grin growing a little wider when he turns toward a tree line up ahead.

“Absolutely.” He follows the less worn paths through the trees, although it’s obvious from the tire marks through the grass road that someone has been there recently.

"So can I have a hint about where we're going?" This isn't a part of the property that you've been to yet and it's beautifully woodsy in a distinctly Southwestern way that you're finding fantastic.

“You’ll see.” The tree line gives way to clearing and Marcus smiles as the pond comes into view. “Right now.”

The little clearing in the trees is picture perfect. It looks more like a movie set than real life, the tree-lined pond ringed with fairy lights sitting side-by-side with a red and white checked gingham blanket and large picnic basket, and a small cooler to boot. "Baby," you sigh out the endearment excitedly. He knows you love surprises -- your family told him so -- but you weren't expecting anything. That, of course, it was makes surprises so wonderful.

“Now you know what I’ve been doing all day.” He tells you as the truck pulls to a stop close to the picnic sight. “Wanted to make this perfect.”

"It's gorgeous!" You breathe, practically squeaking with excitement as you turn to snuggle into his side as soon as he parks the truck. "Is this your old make out spot? Because if it is? It's an awesome choice."

“Maybe a few times?” Marcus shrugs his shoulders and gives you a boyish grin. “Not too many times.”

"Could make it one more." The exaggerated wink you aim at him makes both of you laugh. "If you wanted to, I mean."

“That was my evil plan.” Marcus admits without any remorse. “Bring you out here, woo you, make out with you.”

"Pretty good plan." Right about now he could undo your seatbelt and haul you into his lap in the truck and you wouldn't protest even for a second. "It's absolutely gorgeous, baby."

“Wanted to give you a special night.” He’s explains, unlatching his seatbelt so he can open the door and walk around to help you out.

“Every night with you is special.” As soon as you’re out of the truck you press in to kiss him, enjoying the lingering warmth of the early evening.

“So you’d rather go have dinner with everyone else than have a romantic picnic by the pond?” Marcus asks, reaching for the door handle. “We can go back…”

“Ohhhhh no.” You shake your head immediately. “We’re staying right here. In our perfect little oasis.”

“I thought you would say that.” Marcus chuckles as he takes your hand to guide you over to the blanket. “I brought wine, but we don’t have to drink anything stronger than lemonade.”

“Wine sounds nice.” You’ve been moderate in your drinking today, having two cups of water for every alcoholic beverage and making sure to eat, so you’re not worried about being too inebriated. “And very romantic, but I don’t ever doubt that from you.”

“Well. I know that it might not be the fanciest, but I wanted to make an effort.” He grins at your praise and both of you sit down on the checkered spread.

“You’re perfect level of fancy for me.” Once you sit down here starts to unpack things, and you fidget slightly on the blanket. “But…Speaking of…of that? I wondered if I could talk to you about an idea that I had.” The actual thought has been rolling around in your head for a while for uncomfortable reasons, but now that it’s Marcus it’s actually a nice thing you don’t mind dreaming about a little.

“Speaking of fancy….” He chuckles. “Alright. I’ll pour out the wine. You pitch me your idea and we will strategize.” He jokes as he opens the top to the wicker basket and produces two, picnic friendly wine glasses and sets them down to retrieve the wine from the cooler.

“Unless you had something else you wanted to talk about?” Maybe that’s what this beautiful picnic is and you’ve usurped the purpose of the night by jumping the gun, you can’t be sure.

“I’m wanting to talk about whatever you want, my love.” He promises as he uses the corkscrew to open the bottle.

“Very accommodating of you.” But that’s Marcus and you know it. Instead you focus on opening up the containers he’s packed away that are holding your dinner. “Do you remember I told you that my mother wants the three of us kids to all do…sort of…family publicity type stuff? Like Junie getting a dog and being willing to be public about it?”

“Yes.” He nods and pours out the wine into each glass. “You didn’t sound terribly enthusiastic about it, although you tried to put on a good front.”

“I’m not terribly enthusiastic about it.” You can admit that, especially to him. “Which is why I’m not sure if this idea is selfish or not.”

“Honey….” Marcus hands you the wine and takes the container with the cheese from you to open. “You are not a politician, you don’t seek the spotlight. Sharing yourself with the public in a way you need isn’t selfish.” He’s pretty much guessed that it has to be some idea about your relationship, and he’s okay with that.

“It’s selfish because it’s something I’m asking you to do with me.” The wine glass is cold in your hand, a soothing and grounding change from the warm day. Although now that the sun’s down it will be cool sooner rather than later. “Because I’m more comfortable and more confident with you beside me in that spotlight.”

“Whatever you need.” Marcus promises. “Undercover work was never exactly fun for me, and I’m out as a UA now that the picture of us dancing was posted in the papers.”

“I feel like I ought to apologize.” The wine he chose is fruity and dry, much more complex than you would but for yourself despite his claim that it’s not fancy.

“No, sweetheart, please don’t.” Marcus shakes his head. “I was aware pictures would be taken. It was my own choice. And I don’t regret it for a second.”

“I didn’t know art crimes required undercover work. Though I suppose it makes perfect sense now that I think about it.” And you’re definitely stalling, but you push it further by assembling a charcuterie bite from the containers around you.

“It’s rare, but I only took the last assignment where I went undercover was because I needed to get away after things ended with Teresa.” He explains.

"Well, you'll have nothing like that reason ever again." The idea of Marcus with a broken heart is too much to stomach, and the coping mechanism of assembling the perfect charcuterie bite for him now pushing the thought out of your mind.

“I know.” It’s freeing to know that you two are very much in the same pages. Despite the fact that being soulmates does guarantee happiness, you and him will do everything to make sure that your story is a good one.

"So...the thing I wanted to talk to you about..." Enough stalling. Time to be an adult. "Is not because I want to push you, or rush you, or anything like that. But...because I keep thinking about it and thinking that getting ahead of the curve is the only way to really control it, and controlling it will be so much less stressful and make half as much work in the long run."

You’re cute when you’re flustered, Marcus leans back on the blanket, completely relaxed as he takes a sip of his wine. “So are we talking televised wedding? Or just pictures?” He asks.

"We are not broadcasting the wedding." That's the point at which you draw the line, you already know that. It's too much. Too invasive even for a family in the public eye. "I was thinking more like...letting photos be released along the way. Like sharing engagement photos, or photos of dresses that I don't pick. Things like that?"

“I’m perfectly fine with that.” It’s an easy agreement, one that has him lifting a brow. “That was all?”

"Even if that includes sharing photos of your bachelor party or sitting down with a reporter yourself?" The fact that he's willing to agree to it so easily is utterly shocking to you, and you feel like you have to do your due diligence and double check. "Or even share part of the proposal?"

“Whatever you feel comfortable with.” Marcus agrees. “It’s like the family days at the parks or when mom and dad would have interviews.”

Sometimes you really do forget that he already has a frame of reference for all of this. That he understands being a family in the spotlight. You take a sip of your wine and build him another bite from the charcuterie containers, offering it to him with a grateful smile. "I love you. Completely. I really hope you know how grateful I am for you."

“Why don’t we plan to have photos released from our engagement, you and I can sit down with a reporter about the expectations of soulmates and politics. There can be a website for all this with links to charities or causes that you want to champion or bring to light?”

"I don't understand how you get even more perfect." When he takes the cracker from your hand you run a finger under his jaw and end up feeling heat in your cheeks all over again. "When we get back I'll talk to Mom and whoever from her team is supposed to be coordinating my media stuff. And..." That same hand of yours squeezes his knee gently. "This is not me trying to rush you into anything. I'm sure we'll get enthusiastic and rush all on our own."

“Us?” He feigns surprise and smirks slightly. “Maybe we will, maybe we will surprise ourselves.” He turns and kisses the palm of your hand. “But I doubt it.”

"I doubt it, too." It's a kiss from his lips that you want most, and lean forward to steal it without shame. "But I love that we're on the same page so easily."

“So after that birthday….um, debacle…” he makes a face. “Are you totally opposed to the idea of a surprise proposal or what?”

"As long as it's you proposing, a surprise is fine." Debacle is the right word, and you roll your eyes slightly. "I actually do love surprises. Mom told you that."

“You might have changed your mind.” The sun is setting and right on cue, the fairy lights that he had spent the majority of the day stringing around the pond come on.

The way you coo at the change in lighting is full of delight, and you lean into his side on the blanket with nothing short of delight on your face. "See this is why I love surprises. For things like this."

“I was hoping you would like it.” Marcus grins as you stare in loving awe of the lights as they play off the water and the sunset.

"You know...the back of the property at the inn has a little pond like this." You lean back against him and enjoy the view around you. "There's nothing around it really, so I haven't thought about putting a garden there or anything. But...it could be in the backyard of our house if we wanted it to."

“I think we could do that.” Marcus smirks and reaches out to touch the rim of his glass against yours. “Our own little escape.”

"And it's far enough back from the inn to soothe your very sweet concern over historically matching buildings." Which you love, but you don't want him to get so hung up on it that he ends up sacrificing another aspect of the house he might truly love.

“You have something else in mind?” He asks, wondering if you want something different for how you raise your children and where you live.

"I don't really know a hell of a lot about architectural styles," you admit. "I just don't want us to miss out on our dream house because we got stuck on making the buildings match. We can set our house back enough that it will have its own space."

“Any house that has you and our family in it is my dream house.” He promises, smiling at you happily.

"I love you, too." In a way that makes you feel like your heart is going to swell right out of your chest, but in the absolute best possible way.

“I know you do.” Marcus murmurs softly, wondering how he got so lucky with you. “I am a lucky man.”

Leaning back lets you kiss him, just a soft thing but tender and full of desire and promise before you pull back and smile at him softly. "I guess we're both lucky, then."

“Oh!” Marcus pulls out his phone, forgetting that he had programmed it and opens it up to the music app to start playing music. “Forgot that part.” He huffs. “Too eager to pour wine.”

You know even on the first song that it's a playlist of love songs. There is nothing more supremely on point for Marcus than a night like this, with all of the magic that he's infused into this beautiful little dinner. "I don't know how, but you keep making it better every second."

“That’s high praise.” He hums, putting together a bite for you and holding it out for you to eat. “I’ve enjoyed having you to spoil.”

“And you’re about the only person in the world I’ll ever let do it.” The admission comes with a laugh, and you place another soft kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for suggesting this trip, love.”

“I’m glad you got to come.” He admits with a smile as you take the offered bite and groan at the taste. “I know it was hard to take off last minute and I appreciate it. Next time we will have it planned better.”

“It’s less that it’s hard and more that I get very determined about being hands on,” you admit. “Malachi can run that place in his sleep during the day, and my managers are great. I just…always worry.”

“It’s your baby.” Marcus acknowledges easily. “It’s like a case for me. My team is incredibly proficient at their jobs, but if there is a stake out or some kind of op to be run, I like being there.”

“I’m grateful you understand.” Others hadn’t, and so the fact that Marcus is supportive of your need for work as well as your need for a family is very much appreciated. “And Sydney was joking about sending care packages to your stake outs if you wanted them, so I think your team is about to be very happy, too.”

“If she did, she would become an unofficial member of the team.” Marcus snorts. “They wouldn’t be happy with pizza anymore.”

“I’d have even more FBI agents on my doorstep,” you giggle at the image. “There’s already three of you, we’ll need to designate a dining room or something.”

“The Fed Room.” Marcus snorts, grinning at the idea. “It would never be empty.”

“Syd may have thrown a tiny bit of a fit when I told her I don’t want her to cater any of our wedding stuff,” you admit, cringing slightly as Marcus starts to open another round of containers from the picnic basket. “But she’s my best friend and will be my maid of honor. I want her there by my side, not stuck in the kitchen.”

“How about she can cater the engagement party?” Marcus suggests. “That way she’s involved but it’s not taking over her enjoying your wedding day.”

“I wasn’t even thinking about an engagement party.” The compromise makes you turn up your chin to look at him with wide, starry eyes. “It’s perfect. Just like you, love.”

“We have to have a party.” Marcus teases, kissing your nose. “The press can have the story of my proposal and the engagement party. That’s also a good way to keep our actual engagement to ourselves.”

“I’m so fucking glad you’re with me on this.” The honest laugh is stifled but full of relief as you lounge with him in the blanket. “I would never think of any of this and I’d just end up stressed out or going along with whatever anybody else planned to avoid having to think about it.”

“I will fix anything you ever ask me to.” Marcus promises. “But if you ever don’t like something, you never have to worry about me being upset by that.”

“And the same goes for you,” you promise him, with the same measure of seriousness in your eyes and honesty in your voice. “I hope you know that.”

“I know.” He picks up a grape to pop into his mouth. “You and I are very communicative.”

“I feel like I should apologize.” Your voice lowers slightly, the unsureness seeping through it.

“Why?” Marcus frowns slightly, not liking that comment at all. You have nothing to apologize for. He loves that the two of you are talking and planning your lives together.

“Past relationships…have not been as okay with my tendency to talk everything out at length.” It’s not something that you really ever planned on bringing up, since Marcus likes to dream and plan and plot like you do. But maybe it’s good that he knows, since it has slipped out without you meaning to. “I always felt like I was bothering them with it. And ended up apologizing a lot.”

He frowns even more, reaching out after he sets down to his wine glass and pulls you close. “Sweetheart, I want to talk things out. Even if it’s as mundane as brunch locations or if the entryway table should be moved.” He promises. “Please never feel like you should apologize. I want to hear everything you have to say.”

“You might regret saying that when I get going about the logistics of booking rooms for large parties.” It’s a decent attempt at a joke, even if it’s wry, and you lean into Marcus’s comforting warmth with a sigh. “I’m still getting used to the idea that you are as straight forward and wholeheartedly enthusiastic about this entire relationship as I am. It seems surreal but it’s too wonderful to be a dream, so I’m just doing my best to process the whole thing.”

“You process however you need to.” He kisses your forehead. “I’ll be right here to reassure you again. You’re my partner, my lover, and my friend.” He murmurs. “The most important person in the universe to me.”

______

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My Masterlist!

[jaded-jezz]

Shutter Speed

Jack Champion x Photographer!Reader

Part 1/?

☁︎ Fluff

Summary: y/n is a photographer for the new scream promo and Jack thinks she belongs in front of the camera rather than behind.

"Y/N did you double check the SD card was empty?" My best friend and work partner, Leah, shouted from down the hall. "Yeah it was the first thing i did this morning,"

Leah and I have been working together ever since college where we met during our photography course. We have been inseparable since both landing a job at a highly praised magazine company.

Today is going to be a great day as we have been given the front cover photoshoot with full creative control too. It has been my childhood dream to have even a small picture but another front page? The feeling never gets old.

Leah and I finish packing all of our equipment into the car and we start the drive down to the studios in LA. As it’s kind of a long drive Leah starts our little road-trip with our favourite song. We scream the lyrics and laugh when the people, in the cars that pass us, give us strange looks.

To save our voices from any extreme damage, we put on some less energetic music and go over the plan for the day. “Wait, have you seen the cast for Scream 6?” Leah suddenly asks.

“Yeh like sorta… no not really” I answer scrambling for my phone. “Well we know Jenna from the Wednesday shoot so that’s less worrying right?” I say as I wait for the list to load.

“Oh yeah I forgot you did that! Do you think she will remember you?”

(Scream VI Groupchat POV)

Jenna- how close is everyone to the studio?

Devyn- I’m parked outside

Melissa- the shoot starts in half an hour

Devyn- I LIKE TO BE EARLY OK?!

Jasmine- YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO BRING ME THIS EARLY TOO THO

Liana- wait you guys drove together? You could’ve invited me 🥺

Jasmine- use that emoji again and I will become ghostface

Liana- 🥺sowy🥺

‘Jasmine’ has left the group chat.

Mason- Jenna this is your fault

Jack- What the hell did I just miss?

Jenna- HOW WAS IT MY FAULT?

Mason- YOU ASKED THE QUESTION

Jack- Jenna, Mason is the reason we are running late please don’t kill us.

Jenna- thanks for actually answering jack, mason I’m going to kill you

‘Devyn’ added ‘Jasmine’ to the group.

Devyn- see you guys soon!

(Y/N POV)

“ I doubt she will remember, I didn’t really speak” I answer, as I start to cringe over my previous shoots without Leah. Leah is literally my rock, and she knows this as she looks over to me. “You will be great, I’ll be there if things get too awkward, and you have all your notes on your phone and in your notebook.” I give her a smile as I reach for said notes to calm my nerves.

When we arrive at the studio I already see two of the actors and they wave as we walk past their car. I feel a lot less stressed as I see that everything is clean for us to set up our equipment. Leah and I finish in a record time thanks to my meticulously drawn plan of the placement for lights and tripods.

One of the producers walks in to check if we are ready. He lets us know that two actors are going to be late but it won’t ruin the shoot. As he leaves to alert the cast Leah stands next to me to make sure I don’t run away.

“OMG it is you!” I hear a voice come round the corner. “I thought I recognised your name, guys this is the talent who created all the Wednesday promo!” Jenna exclaims to the group before walking over to hug me.

“It is great to see you again Jenna! And it’s lovely to meet all of you too.” I say to the room. “I’m Y/N, this is Leah and the stylists are in the other room.” I start to explain the plan for the day.

“So any questions?” I ask after I realise I’ve been talking rambling for too long. “Oh last thing, sorry, if at any point you feel uncomfortable or awkward in a pose or something, just let me know and I will sort it as fast as I can.” I let the cast go to their stylists, who they knew from set, and walk towards my camera and laptop to make sure everything is loaded up and ready to go.

“She did remember you.” Leah said in a hushed giggle as my face starts to go red.

(Jack’s POV)

We are late. Mason is late. So I’m late. I hate being late to these things. Especially when it’s people I’ve never worked with before, although I think I remember Jenna saying she’s met one of the photographers before but that doesn’t calm me down one bit.

“Hey man, chill out” Mason interrupts my internal panic. “They won’t mind, you can charm them with your good looks yeh?” He suggests. I widen my eyes to show I don’t agree. “Fine, I’ll apologise in my own way and you do it how you want too.” He sighs, jokingly.

When we finally arrive we are pushed into the changing rooms so fast that I don’t get to apologize for our lack of punctuality. I quickly change into my costume before jumping into the makeup chair, next to Mason. Once the artist has finished I text my mum to tell her I made it and left it on the vanity. I headed out to the studio once Mason was done too.

"Look who decided to show up!"

Part Two will be their meeting! Or should I say meet-cute?

Also (shameless plug) I really want to be a photographer so I would mean a lot if you followed/checked out my Instagram:

@/no.stress_jess

Please do not repost this, reblogs are appreciated.

[sevenboarproductions]

[IDOLiSH7] [Part 6] Chapter 12: In a quiet night

6.12.1. - The right mindset

Kujou Tenn: Good work. 

Staff: Good work! I’m looking forward to “New Black or White”! Do your best!

Yaotome Gaku: Thank you very much.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Good work!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Tenn, are you going back to Kujou-san’s house today as well? 

Kujou Tenn: Lately, Kujou-san keeps going on business trips. And I can’t leave Aya alone, so… 

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: She’s a girl, after all. Tell me if there’s anything I can do to help. 

Kujou Tenn: Thanks.

Yaotome Gaku: If he keeps going on business trips, is Kujou working on something big? 

Kujou Tenn: I wonder… He won’t talk to me properly. But it seems that he said the truth about staying home being hard on him, though.

Yaotome Gaku: Why would that be hard? Did he argue with Aya-chan?

Kujou Tenn: Well, kind of… 

Yaotome Gaku: If something happened, just talk to us. Don’t worry about it by yourself. 

Kujou Tenn: Yeah… Well, see you tomorrow. 

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I wonder if Tenn will be fine…

Yaotome Gaku: He’ll come to us if things get too out of hand. At least I’ve had that sort of impression lately.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: The impression that Tenn trusts us?

Yaotome Gaku: The impression that he’ll let us spoil him. He seems like someone who’s never been spoiled in a non-calculated way. He sucks at giving signs that he wants it, though.  

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Aah, I get that… I’m also getting the feeling that cautiously, bit by bit, he’s trying to reach out and join hands with us.

Yaotome Gaku: That was unthinkable for Tenn before. Even when he cried during the street live, he was TRIGGER’s standard. 

Yaotome Gaku: Even right now, he is doing his best trying to get used to being the youngest when he’s with us. It’s different when he’s on stage, though. 

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: TRIGGER stays TRIGGER but at the same time we continue to change. I think that’s interesting. 

Yaotome Gaku: It’s cool, right? If we keep changing, we’ll never be done.

Yaotome Gaku: If we’re never done, that means that there is no end, either. 

--

Kujou Tenn: I’m back.

Kujou Aya: Ah… Welcome home, Tenn-onii-chan. Kujou-san said he is sleeping somewhere else tonight again. 

Kujou Tenn: I heard as much. You made dinner, right? Thank you. 

Kujou Aya: You know… Can I ask you something weird? 

Kujou Tenn: Go ahead. You can ask me anything. 

Kujou Aya: Uhm, well… It’s about a friend! My friend confessed to the person they like, and they got rejected. 

Kujou Tenn: I see…

Kujou Aya: But they still love them… How long should they wait so it’s fine to confess once more?

Kujou Tenn: …Like a retry? 

Kujou Aya: Yes.

Kujou Tenn: …

Kujou Tenn: I think that your friend has earnestly confessed, but the person who rejected them also earnestly thought about it before rejecting them.

Kujou Tenn: Wouldn’t that person think that if your friend confessed again, their own earnest feelings weren’t accepted, either? 

Kujou Aya: But… I often hear stories about people getting attacked fiercely, giving in and then going out after all or something? 

Kujou Aya: Retry and retry and retry, and then reaching the finish-mark as a married couple thanks to tenacity!

Kujou Tenn: …That sort of story, well… It does happen, but… 

Kujou Aya: So it might be the same for the person my friend likes! How do I put it, like valuing your own persistence and retrying… a person chasing after their dream… 

Kujou Tenn: Ah— Certainly… 

Kujou Aya: So what do you think? If it was about you, Tenn-onii-chan, how many days of waiting would be the most favourable for a retry? 

Kujou Tenn: …The most favourable retry, huh… 

Kujou Aya: Never give up, never lose, never die. It shows up a lot in the lyrics of love songs, too, so…

Kujou Tenn: …Certainly…

Kujou Aya: Never die. 

Kujou Tenn: Never die, huh…

Kujou Tenn: …By the way, to change the topic, with Kujou-san taking so many business trips like this, aren’t you lonely, Aya? 

Kujou Tenn: Besides, until now, you were with Kujou-san when he moved around, so I think things must have been very hard on you, Aya.

Kujou Tenn: Isn’t it about time we look for a quiet place for you to live? 

Kujou Aya: A quiet place…? 

Kujou Tenn: By your real brother’s side.

Kujou Aya: …

Kujou Tenn: If you want to continue to be with Kujou-san as his daughter, it’s fine for you to continue living like this, too, though. 

Kujou Tenn: If you want to be with Kujou-san for a different reason, it would end up being weird if you don’t get rid of your standpoint as his daughter first, right? 

Kujou Aya: …That’s… That might be true, but… 

Kujou Tenn: Yotsuba Tamaki is still a student, but he’s a kind, cheerful, dependable and reliable person. 

Kujou Tenn: It’s about time you properly talked for once? It’ll turn out alright, you’re siblings after all. 

Kujou Aya: …Did you talk to him, Tenn-onii-chan? Your real brother. 

Kujou Tenn: We talked. On the stage of the “Zero” musical. Bathing in the lights there, we didn’t need any words. 

Kujou Tenn: We were born together. But we can’t keep holding hands. I’m sure we’ll be walking different paths from now on.

Kujou Tenn: Still, we couldn’t replace each other. The same goes for you and Yotsuba Tamaki, as well as for you and Kujou-san. Please have a proper talk with him. 

Kujou Aya: …Yeah…

Kujou Aya: I’ll try talking to Tamaki-nii-chan… 

--

Ousaka Sougo: Manager…

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yes. Did something happen?

Ousaka Sougo: Regarding “New Black or White”... I was wondering if there’s still open seats for priority guests. 

Takanashi Tsumugi: Ah… Could this be about your parents, Sougo-san? 

Ousaka Sougo: Yes… I want to try inviting them. 

Ousaka Sougo: I don’t think they’ll come. My mother might come, but she’s not the type of person who would go against my father… 

Ousaka Sougo: I’m sorry about wasting the seat space, but…

Takanashi Tsumugi: You don’t know that yet. But regarding the arrangements, I understand! I will get things ready!

Ousaka Sougo: Thank you.

Takanashi Tsumugi: I’ll get in touch with people right away. 

Ousaka Sougo: Please do. 

(footsteps)

Ousaka Sougo: …………

Ousaka Sougo: Even though it took a long time, with this, something will finally end… 

Ousaka Sougo: And the life of the new me will start. 

--

Natsume Minami: This is the demo of the new song. Please listen to it.

Inumaru Touma: It’s finally completed! 

Isumi Haruka: It’s the song we’ll sing as “New Black or White”! 

Midou Torao: What kind of song is it? How did it turn out?

Natsume Minami: Let me just say that I have no intention of being criticized by everyone. 

Natsume Minami: I will not listen to anything but praise.

Midou Torao: You don’t have to be so menacing…

Inumaru Touma: So it’s about building confidence, right?

Natsume Minami: …. Well… That’s true… …

Inumaru Touma: Well, I’m looking forward to it! 

Isumi Haruka: What’s the title?

Natsume Minami: Did I not tell you?

Natsume Minami: It’s “Utopia”.

Isumi Haruka: That’s a nice title!! Ah, it started. …Ooh! 

Inumaru Touma: Aah…!

Midou Torao: Hee…!

Natsume Minami: What is this reaction supposed to be…? 

Inumaru Touma: It’s good!

Isumi Haruka: It’s cool!

Midou Torao: I like it!

Natsume Minami: This is exactly why people who lack vocabulary are so… Praise me more, please, properly. 

Inumaru Touma: The best of the best! Mina, you’re a genius! 

Isumi Haruka: With this song, ŹOOḼ is definitely gonna win!!

Midou Torao: It’s perfect! The entire world will bow to Minami! 

Natsume Minami: …Alright!

Inumaru Touma: You’re unusually excited…

Natsume Minami: Let’s listen to it from the start once more. Please praise the lines one by one. 

Isumi Haruka: It’s super super super cool!! Only Minami can make songs like this! You’re number one! 

Midou Torao: Aah! Now we can't afford to lose. Let’s win with this song.

Natsume Minami: Yes. Absolutely. Since you said that, please put your body on the line, too. 

Midou Torao: Eh?

Inumaru Touma: Like, “show me some bold moves”. What do you think about something like that? 

Isumi Haruka: Isn’t that nice!? Let’s be bold! Torao, can you do it?

Midou Torao: Huh… Who do you think you’re asking? 

Inumaru Touma: Alright, I’m slowly getting the hang of how to get Tora’s motivation.

(door opens)

Utsugi Shirou: Excuse me. 

Isumi Haruka: Utsugi-san. Did you hear the song Minami made?

Utsugi Shirou: Yes. I listened to it a bit earlier. An incredible song has descended upon earth.

Utsugi Shirou: Natsume-san. I cannot express it in words very well, so I will write a 10,000 character report about it later.

Natsume Minami: Fufu. Thank you very much. 

Utsugi Shirou: Since the new song is finished now, there is someone I want to introduce to you.

Isumi Haruka: Someone you want to introduce to us…? 

~ to be continued ~

--

6.12.2. - Moonlight

Inumaru Touma: Are they coming here right now?

Utsugi Shirou: No. He said he wanted to say hello using a webcam. I’ll set up my computer now. 

Natsume Minami: …What kind of person is it?

Utsugi Shirou: Uhm, wait a second, please. I’m connected to them via this headset right now, so I’ll confirm things before switching to speaker.

Utsugi Shirou: Hello? Did you decide on the settings?

Isumi Haruka: …Decide on the settings…?

Utsugi Shirou: Anything’s fine. Eh? Ah… Ugh, what a pain. I get it, I get it.

Inumaru Touma: That’s a lot of arrangements… 

Utsugi Shirou: Sorry to keep you waiting. I would like to introduce you to a world-renowned event artist teacher.

Midou Torao: I didn’t have the feeling you were talking to a world-renowned teacher, though… 

Natsume Minami: What is the teacher’s name? 

Utsugi Shirou: Ah, that’s right… Please wait a moment.

Utsugi Shirou: What should I do? What’re you gonna do? Did you decide yet?

Inumaru Touma: He said “Did you decide yet?”... 

Isumi Haruka: Isn’t he introducing us to a really shady teacher? This manager… 

Utsugi Shirou: Sorry to keep you waiting. This is Moonlight Ichirou-sensei. 

Natsume Minami: Moonlight Ichirou-sensei…

Midou Torao: Have you heard of him?

Natsume Minami: Unfortunately, I have not, either…  

Utsugi Shirou: Well then, let’s switch to speaker. I’m very sorry, but his camera has a mosaic effect on it… 

Inumaru Touma: Why!? Serious, why!?

Utsugi Shirou: I’m starting.

(beep)

Isumi Haruka: Ah… it started… 

Midou Torao: Can he hear this already?

Natsume Minami: It seems so… Nice to meet you, Moonlight Ichirou-sensei, I am ŹOOḼ’s Natsume Minami.

Moonlight Ichirou: Yes… Nice to meet you.

Moonlight Ichirou: This is Moonlight Ichirou.

Inumaru Touma: …Ryou-san…？

Isumi Haruka: …Isn’t that Ryou-san…？

Midou Torao: …Is that Ryou-san…？

Natsume Minami: …Ryou-san…？

Moonlight Ichirou: Eeh~, to get right to it, before you take on “Black or White”, I’ll give you some advice.

Inumaru Touma: Wait a minute… you’re Ryou-san, right? 

Moonlight Ichirou: I’m not.

Isumi Haruka: You’re Tsukumo Ryou, right?

Moonlight Ichirou: This is Moonlight Jirou.

Midou Torao: The more I listen to it, the more it sounds like Ryou-san… Also, did you say Jirou? 

Moonlight Ichirou: Tch… That’s why I told you, Shirou. Come on, hurry. 

Utsugi Shirou: Wait a sec, I’m trying right now, so… 

Natsume Minami: What settings are you changing on your computer, Utsugi-san…? 

Utsugi Shirou: I apologize. It might be difficult to hear the audio, but… Ah, it’s working.

Moonlight Ichirou: Yes, I am Moonlight Ichirou.

Inumaru Touma: Ah, what’s this, it’s a voice that’s different from Ryou-san… Is what you thought I’d say!?

Isumi Haruka: Stop blatantly using a voice changer!? I mean, you’re Ryou-san, right!?

Moonlight Ichirou: I’m not.

Midou Torao: You’re Ryou-san! Utsugi-san, take down the mosaic effect. 

Utsugi Shirou: Can I? Ryou-kun.

Moonlight Ichirou: No way you can, idiot.

Natsume Minami: He’s calling him Ryou-kun…

Moonlight Ichirou: Anyway, I’ll give you some helpful advice, so listen to what I’m saying. 

Inumaru Touma: It’s been a while, Ryou-san. How have you been? 

Moonlight Ichirou: I haven’t been fine. It’s my first time meeting you.

Isumi Haruka: Did you see “BLAST”?

Moonlight Ichirou: I watched it. Not to the last episode, though.

Midou Torao: It was good, though! I jumped by myself in that one. 

Moonlight Ichirou: I know. I read it in a magazine.  

Natsume Minami: Wanna listen to the new song?

Moonlight Ichirou: Did you finish it? The one for “Black or White”?

Natsume Minami: Yes.

Moonlight Ichirou: Send me the data. 

Utsugi Shirou: Ryou-kun, can you stop playing Moonlight-sensei yet? 

Moonlight Ichirou: Don’t call it playing. It’s your fault it got ruined.

Utsugi Shirou: I don’t think it’s ruined. You might be able to keep going if you force yourself. 

Moonlight Ichirou: Really?

Utsugi Shirou: Maybe?

Isumi Haruka: No way. Utsugi-san, do you think we’re idiots? 

Utsugi Shirou: No, I would never.

Isumi Haruka: Ryou-san is the one on the other side of the screen, right? 

Utsugi Shirou: …？

Isumi Haruka: Stop tilting your head and playing dumb, you’re a grown adult! 

Natsume Minami: Well, isn’t it fine. So Moonlight-sensei, what in the world could the advice you want to give us be? 

Natsume Minami: We will no longer act according to someone else’s whims. 

Moonlight Ichirou: Hm… Aren’t you cocky?

Moonlight Ichirou: I will give you advice regarding the composition of ŹOOḼ’s mini lives so you can win “New Black or White”.

Isumi Haruka: Don’t need it! Stop messing with us by continuing to pretend. 

Isumi Haruka: Tell us properly. You’re Ryou-san, right? You wanna be involved with us, right?

Moonlight Ichirou: …

Moonlight Ichirou: I’m not.

Isumi Haruka: Utsugi-san! Hang up!!

Utsugi Shirou: Understood.

Moonlight Ichirou: Don’t “understood” me!!

Isumi Haruka: See you! Mosaic filter man!! 

Midou Torao: Hey, hey, hey! Wait! Isn’t Moonlight fine for now?

Isumi Haruka: You’re too soft, Torao! 

Midou Torao: Look, how do I put it, I just experienced wanting to say something but being unable to, so… 

Moonlight Ichirou: Why are you saying, idiot? Weren’t you replaced by some kid at the last second in the action scene? Since you have no guts. 

Midou Torao: …

Midou Torao: Utsugi-san. Hang up. 

Utsugi Shirou: Right.

Moonlight Ichirou: Don’t “right” me. 

Utsugi Shirou: Ryou-kun. If you’re just going to hurl insults at ŹOOḼ, I will hang up. This is an important time for them.

Utsugi Shirou: You said you had something to tell them, so I set up an opportunity to talk. If you have nothing to say, I’ll end it here. 

Moonlight Ichirou: …I get it. Remove the mosaic filter.

Utsugi Shirou: Understood. 

Moonlight Ichirou: As you said, my true identity is the one who scouted you… 

Tsukumo Ryou: Tsukumo Ryou.

Inumaru Touma: Huh…?  The blur on the screen got stronger…? 

Natsume Minami: Utsugi-san, what did you press? 

Utsugi Shirou: Huh? That’s strange…　

Tsukumo Ryou: I had my own reasons for not telling you my name right away. My position is little more than that of an observer, so… 

Isumi Haruka: Wa… Ryou-san, wait with the serious talk for a bit. Since it’s kinda become like an interrogation.

Tsukumo Ryou: What’s that supposed to… What are you doing? Isn’t this an important moment? 

Utsugi Shirou: Hey, Ryou-kun, that thing. The face editing game, where’d you drop that?  

Tsukumo Ryou: Just check your downloaded apps?

Natsume Minami: These old guys seem to play rather enjoyable games.

Isumi Haruka: Even when you become an adult you can use face editing apps. I’m kind of relieved. 

Inumaru Touma: That being said, aren’t those two getting along pretty well? 

Utsugi Shirou: We’re not getting along well. But we’re kind of like childhood friends, so I’ve been looking after him for a long time.

Tsukumo Ryou: I’m the one who looked after you, though. Since you’re from a family of commoners and all.

Utsugi Shirou: No, I’m the one who did. Since you were hated by your family. Ah, it’s fixed.

Tsukumo Ryou: Hello. It’s been a while.

Inumaru Touma: It’s been a while. It would’ve been fine for you to contact us in a non-roundabout way, though. 

Tsukumo Ryou: I was busy.

Natsume Minami: You haven’t met Momo-san, either? Isn’t he your friend? 

Tsukumo Ryou: He’s not my friend, so I haven’t met him. But after “New Black or White” ends, I might go comfort him. 

Isumi Haruka: Comfort him? Why?

Tsukumo Ryou: You know, since ŹOOḼ is going to win.

Isumi Haruka: …Ryou-san…

Natsume Minami: …You said you had advice for us, but what kind of advice is it? 

Tsukumo Ryou: I’ll decide that from here on out. First, tell me the set list. He won’t tell me ‘cause I’m an outsider.

Inumaru Touma: I mean, that’s true. After disappearing like that and then not contacting us, that is. 

Tsukumo Ryou: What’s this, are you mad? 

Inumaru Touma: Yeah.

Tsukumo Ryou: …

Inumaru Touma: It might be a little different from being mad. After all, I feel grateful to you, Ryou-san, so I can't quite hate you. 

Inumaru Touma: But as ŹOOḼ’s leader, I cannot let anyone who might hurt them get close to them.

Inumaru Touma: I think that's also why Utsugi-san called you an outsider. Which is it gonna be?

Inumaru Touma: Are you going to cheer us on and pick up the pieces of our dream together with us? Or did you just come here to poke fun at us on a whim? 

Inumaru Touma: Tell us properly. …I know you disappeared by yourself to protect us. 

Inumaru Touma: Tell us properly if you want to hold our hands once more.

Tsukumo Ryou: …

Tsukumo Ryou: You guys are really stupid. You were used this much, and yet you thought you were being protected? 

Tsukumo Ryou: What's more, “holding hands”? You guys are idols, your image is your trade, right? What a bunch of imbecile idiots. 

Tsukumo Ryou: I was feeling down, so I poked fun at you, but I stopped. Since my identity got revealed, too. 

Tsukumo Ryou: This is the end of it. Shirou, you can hang up now. 

Isumi Haruka: You're the idiot here, idiot. 

Tsukumo Ryou: Excuse me?

Midou Torao: This is really pointless. Utsugi-san, lend me your laptop.

Utsugi Shirou: There you go.

Tsukumo Ryou: What are you doing? I can only see Torao’s face like this.

Midou Torao: Wouldn't that be lucky? You guys are fine with that, right? 

Inumaru Touma: Sure.

Natsume Minami: I don't mind.

Tsukumo Ryou: What are you even talking about?

Midou Torao: Look, I sent it to you just now. The set list. It's still a work in progress though.

Tsukumo Ryou: …Hmm…

Inumaru Touma: We thought about it in our own way and did our best.

Inumaru Touma: If you have advice, we'd like to hear it. But don't hurt us for no reason. 

Inumaru Touma: If your words affected us and we couldn't give it our all for the actual thing, that’d be the worst. 

Inumaru Touma: I no longer think you don't like us at least a little, Ryou-san. 

Natsume Minami: But the fact that you left us without saying anything is true, too.

Natsume Minami: Right now, we love ourselves, more than a certain someone who wouldn't take responsibility… 

Natsume Minami: Even if they don't love us, we need someone to take responsibility for us.

Utsugi Shirou: Why are you looking at me like that? I properly love you guys. 

Natsume Minami: If you care about our feelings, then let's play together again. 

Natsume Minami: Ryou-san, you said idols are the best game in the world. 

Tsukumo Ryou: …

Isumi Haruka: It's fine, right? You'll cheer us on, right? 

Isumi Haruka: During last year’s Black or White… Ryou-san, you came to see us. I saw it from atop the stage.

Tsukumo Ryou: …Hmm…

Tsukumo Ryou: I won't cheer you on. After all, I don't like idols.

Tsukumo Ryou: But, every now and then, Moonlight Ichirou might make some nice comments.

Midou Torao: You're going to continue with that character even though you failed that much at pretending? 

Inumaru Touma: …I get it. Then I will say goodbye to you. 

Inumaru Touma: But I'm glad you're doing fine.

Tsukumo Ryou: Yeah. You, too.

Natsume Minami: Contact us anytime. 

Midou Torao: Come see us on that day, too. 

Tsukumo Ryou: If I have free time.

Isumi Haruka: Cheer us on.

Tsukumo Ryou: Do your best.

Isumi Haruka: …

Tsukumo Ryou: Do your best.

Isumi Haruka: …Yeah. Thank you.

Tsukumo Ryou: Haha… …Shirou, this is enough. Hang up. 

Utsugi Shirou: Understood. 

(beep)

Utsugi Shirou: …I cut the connection. Sorry for taking up your time while you are busy. 

ŹOOḼ: …

Inumaru Touma: Since we're idols… I hope we can make Ryou-san happy one day, too. 

Midou Torao: That's right… 

Utsugi Shirou: Everyone is very kind. ...Huh?

(ring)

Natsume Minami: There's a sign of an incoming call. May I try taking it?

Utsugi Shirou: Yes…

(beep)

Natsume Minami: Yes. Who am I speaking to?

Moonlight Ichirou: It's Moonlight Ichirou.

Natsume Minami: …

Isumi Haruka: You're pretty fast at switching, Ryou-san… 

~ to be continued ~

--

6.12.3. - News from the country up north 

Nanase Riku: Finally, “Black or White” is tomorrow… 

Izumi Iori: That’s true… 

Takanashi Tsumugi: Everyone, you did your best even though you were busy! I’m sure there will be good results! 

Nanase Riku: Mhm, that’s right. Thanks, manager!

Rokuya Nagi: Iori, Riku! OH! Manager, too!

Takanashi Tsumugi: Nagi-san, what happened? You have your laptop with you…  

Rokuya Nagi: Manager! Please gather the members. He wants to talk to everyone using the internet… 

Izumi Iori: To whom?

Rokuya Nagi: My brother… Seto! 

Izumi Iori & Nanase Riku: Seto-san!?

Nikaidou Yamato: Ah, Bernard-san appeared on screen… 

Izumi Mitsuki: The background is stunningly gorgeous~… I’m kind of nervous… 

Bernard Kenneth: Good evening. Can you hear me? 

Rokuya Nagi: I can hear you.

Bernard Kenneth: Huh…? I think I can’t hear them. 

Yotsuba Tamaki: He said he can’t hear us.

Ousaka Sougo: What’s wrong? Are we muted? 

Yotsuba Tamaki: Bercchi! Bercchi, how are you?

Nanase Riku: Bernard-san, hello~! 

Bernard Kenneth: ＜Apparently there is trouble with the audio. Can they no longer my voice, either?＞

Bernard Kenneth: ＜That’s troublesome… I can’t type in Japanese, so I can’t confirm whether they can hear me or not via messaging them, either.＞

Bernard Kenneth: ＜If it’s going to be like this, the only thing I can do is to say some risque words and judge from whether his Highness looks shocked or not…＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Stop taking dangerous bets, Bernard.＞

Bernard Kenneth: OH! Hello! I just heard something! Hello, can you hear me?

Nanase Riku: I can hear you!

Izumi Mitsuki: Hello~! I can hear you!

Bernard Kenneth: OH! Hi! My friends! IDOLiSH7-dono, it has been a while!

Yotsuba Tamaki: It’s been a while! How have you been?

Bernard Kenneth: OH! I’ve been good! I saw “Crescent Wolf” on blu-ray! It was truly wonderful! 

Nanase Riku: I will tell TRIGGER about it! Tenn-nii and the others will definitely be happy! 

Bernard Kenneth: I will invite His Highness Seto. His Highness Seto has been studying Japanese. 

Rokuya Nagi: Japanese! I’m impressed!

Bernard Kenneth: He wants to give an encouraging speech to everyone in IDOLiSH7. Please look forward to it! 

Ousaka Sougo: He said it’s a message of encouragement!

Izumi Iori: I presume he contacted us because we are taking on the challenge of “New Black or White”.

Nanase Riku: Ah! Seto-san is here!　

Nikaidou Yamato: It’s been a while since I’ve seen him, but he is stunningly gorgeous as always… 

Ousaka Sougo: Even though there’s no effects, both the background and the people look like they’re in an MV… 

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: He. 

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: H e l l o.

IDOLiSH7: Hello~!

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: IDOLiSH7, how are you? 

IDOLiSH7: We’re fine!

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: I am, Nagi’s brother, Seto. 

IDOLiSH7: We’re IDOLiSH7!

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: I cannot, come to Japan, on December 31st. In order, to win, I will give you, a hundred, sea breams… sea breams.

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: Brimming with happiness.¹

Izumi Mitsuki & Nanase Riku & Yotsuba Tamaki: Ya~y!!

Izumi Iori: …Rokuya-san. Is it alright for His Highness, the crown prince of Northmeir, to memorize bad puns?

Rokuya Nagi: OH… Aren’t Japanese puns a lucky charm, though?

Nikaidou Yamato: Huh? Wait. Did he catch a school of a hundred sea breams? 

Ousaka Sougo: Do you mean a swarm of a hundred sea breams? Sea breams aren’t that big, are they...²

(doorbell rings)

Izumi Mitsuki: Huh? A guest… 

(door opens)

Ousaka Sougo: The lock unlocked before we even opened the door!? 

Thorvald: ＜As usual, the security of this accommodation is weak…＞

Rokuya Nagi: Thorvald!

Thorvald: It has been a while, Your Highness. I came to deliver the sea breams which come from Northern Europe.

Thorvald: They’re stored in a container right now, but is it okay to store them all in your refrigerator?

Izumi Mitsuki: No way it is, no way it is. 

Nikaidou Yamato: Our fridge will be filled to the brim with sea bream! Did you really bring a hundred of them? 

Thorvald: Yes.

Nikaidou Yamato: Why!?

Thorvald:  …So you’d brim with happiness…

Nikaidou Yamato: Are the people of Northmeir that innocent? 

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Nagi.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Yes.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Is there some sort of trouble?＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Yes, uhm…＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜It’s nothing. Everyone is happy. Thank you, brother.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Is that so? I’m glad.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜You, IDOLiSH7, are Nagi’s friends and you saved me. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I wish for you to attain honor and victory in tomorrow’s battle.＞

Nanase Riku: What did Seto-san say?

Rokuya Nagi: He’s grateful to everyone from the bottom of his heart. He wishes for us to attain honor and victory in tomorrow’s battle.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Thank you~! Prince Seto! 

Ousaka Sougo: Thank you very much.

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜One more thing.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I’ll bring this up through the Northmeiran Embassy again, but Nagi’s residence problem needs to be resolved.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜You’re saying there’s a problem with my housing…＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜You may have relinquished your royal rights, but you are my only brother. I want you to live peacefully and safely.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Brother…＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜But I know that you like living with IDOLiSH7, Nagi.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜If your friends are alright with it, I will look after the matter for all of you. The property is secured.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Our residence?  What about our homeland? >

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Those who left the royal family cannot be supported by the people’s taxes. This a personal loan from me.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I have backed up talented people. I never aimed for profit, there were people who expressed their gratitude to me by giving me some of their privileges. ＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Those are my personal assets. Do not worry.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Wa… Wait. I will discuss this.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜I don’t mind.＞

Rokuya Nagi: …

Izumi Mitsuki: Nagi, what’s wrong?

Rokuya Nagi: My brother would like to prepare a new house for me. He’d like to know if everyone else would like to live there, too… 

Nanase Riku: You mean we’d all live in the house Seto-san prepared?

Izumi Mitsuki: All seven of us!?

Rokuya Nagi: Probably. What should we do…?

Izumi Iori: Manager…

Takanashi Tsumugi: …Even at the agency, we were thinking of preparing a new residence for everyone.

Takanashi Tsumugi: The only question is whether you’d live together as seven like right now, or whether there would be a different setup… 

Takanashi Tsumugi: But as for an answer, we don’t…

Nikaidou Yamato: It’s fine to live as seven.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Yamato-san…

Nikaidou Yamato: There might be a limit to living like this someday.

Nikaidou Yamato: But that will be alright when the time comes. Right now, we still want to be together. At least I do. 

Ousaka Sougo: Me, too… I want to be with everyone, too. 

Ousaka Sougo: When I came home fatigued from work, just seeing everyone’s smiles blew away my fatigue. 

Ousaka Sougo: I don’t want to lose this place. 

Izumi Mitsuki: I agree. Until Iori becomes an adult, I think we’ll stay together.

Izumi Mitsuki: So I think staying with everyone is fine. What about you, Iori?

Izumi Iori: …If possible… If I could stay with everyone, I think I’d want to, too. 

Izumi Iori: One day, the time where everyone live on their own will come. But even so… 

Izumi Iori: Right now, I want to be with everyone and still have them be within sight. 

Yotsuba Tamaki: …I… I might not be able to do it…

Ousaka Sougo: Tamaki-kun…?

Yotsuba Tamaki: I can’t leave Aya alone after all. When it comes to living with Aya, it doesn’t have to be right now, though… 

Yotsuba Tamaki: The idea of me being surrounded by people while Aya is alone is… 

Nanase Riku: Tamaki…

~ to be continued ~

--

6.12.4. - Sea bream

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜What are you talking about?＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Tamaki has a younger sister. He would like to live with us, but he says he cannot neglect her. >

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜She should just live with you. If you are concerned about the fact that there are a lot of men, I can hire female staff. >

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜Is there a problem? If there is, let’s resolve it right away.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Brother…＞

Yotsuba Tamaki: Nagicchi, what did Prince Seto say…?

Rokuya Nagi: OH, Tamaki… Prince Seto is my pride.

Rokuya Nagi: When the circumstances got bad, he would repeatedly try to escape from reality. For him to say he wants to resolve something right away…

Yotsuba Tamaki: Nagicchi?

Rokuya Nagi: OH, sorry. I was too impressed…

Rokuya Nagi: He said that living together with her is okay, hiring female staff is okay and that if there is a problem, he’ll solve it.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Really…!? Thank you, Prince Seto!

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: Y o u ‘ r e w e l c o me.

Izumi Mitsuki: I’m glad for you, Tamaki…!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Yeah! All I gotta do now is convince Aya…

Nikaidou Yamato: Have you not talked to her? If you keep putting off the conversation, you’ll become like me one day.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Since we can’t just keep putting the burden on Seto-san, please let us do something as well.

Takanashi Tsumugi: Which is to say, originally, we should have been the one to secure the property…

Izumi Iori: Isn’t it fine? There probably aren’t that many buildings with security levels that satisfy the royal family…

Takanashi Tsumugi: Seto-san. Please let me consult the President! We are very grateful for your feelings! Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜She is IDOLiSH7’s manager, right? What did she say?＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜She thanked you and said she would like to consult with her boss first.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜She can do what she wants. Well then, Nagi and everyone in IDOLiSH7. I wish you great fortune tomorrow.＞

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: ＜May the goddess of victory smile upon you. Cheers.＞

Rokuya Nagi: ＜Thank you so much.＞

Izumi Mitsuki: Thank you very much! Thank you! Very thank you!

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: Thanks. Byebye.

Nanase Riku: Thank you so much! Byebye! See you!

Yotsuba Tamaki: Thank you!! Byebye! See you again!

Izumi Iori: Thank you very much.

Nikaidou Yamato: Byebye~

Rokuya Nagi: Good night, byebye.

Seto Ranvalt von Northmeir: Byebye.

(beep)

Nanase Riku: …Sending us an encouraging message as we worry about tomorrow… you have a great big brother, Nagi!

Rokuya Nagi: Yes… A day like this coming is like a dream.

Izumi Mitsuki: About the dorm though… Is this really fine?

Thorvald: Next time when I have time, I will show you around the property.

Nikaidou Yamato: Thorvald-san, what are you doing with that penlight turned on?

Thorvald: It’s preparation for tomorrow. I wanted to make sure it shines properly…

Rokuya Nagi: OH… How foolish…

Ousaka Sougo: I didn’t think you were close enough to him to say “How foolish”.

Yotsuba Tamaki: It’s like a manga, it’s cool. Rokuya Nagi: This type only glows for a couple of hours. So there won’t be a tomorrow for that penlight.

Thorvald: How tragic…

Nikaidou Yamato: Shouldn’t we be happy he came to cheer us on? Thorvald-san, thank you.

Thorvald: You’re welcome. Is it fine with you if I distribute the sea breams that wouldn’t fit in the refrigerator among the neighbors?

Izumi Iori: I don’t know about giving out perishables in the current times…

Thorvald: Don’t you give leftover ingredients to the neighbors in Japan?

Nanase Riku: It is sea breams, though… Do you think TRIGGER will eat them?

Nikaidou Yamato: It does seem like they’d eat them, but should we really give sea bream to the people we’re competing against tomorrow…?

Izumi Mitsuki: That’s just how we are, isn’t it fine? I’ll go ask Momo-san, too.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Then I’ll contact Isumin.

Nikaidou Yamato: Riku, will you ask TRIGGER?

Nanase Riku: Yes! I’ll send a rabbit chat right now!

Izumi Iori: Nii-san, our parents might eat it, too…

Izumi Mitsuki: That’s true! I’ll contact them. It seems like we’ll be able to hand out all 100 fish!

Ousaka Sougo: I will ask Touma, too.

Yotsuba Tamaki: Sou-chan, don’t you get along better with Toracchi, too?

Ousaka Sougo: Because Midou-san is the type of person who can eat sea bream whenever he wants…

Thorvald: Eating sea bream anytime… He must be brimming with happiness.

Nikaidou Yamato: Uhm, I don’t think you have any bad intentions at all, but there is a risk of battle occurring here…

Thorvald: Is that so? Are you the type of person who is brimming with happiness without engaging in battles, Nikaidou-san?

Nikaidou Yamato: Yes…? Are you trying to pick a fight…?

Takanashi Tsumugi: Well then, I will go for a quick drive to deliver the sea breams to those we managed to contact!

Izumi Iori: Somehow, it has become a strange evening…

Izumi Mitsuki: Well, isn’t it fine? It’s not like the sea breams are poisoned.

Yotsuba Tamaki: We’re brimming with happiness, after all!

--

Yuki: What is this, what happened…?

Momo: It’s from Maneko-chan. A delivery of sea bream!

Yuki: A declaration of victory…?

Momo: Eh~!? It’s to make us brim with happiness for sure. Isn’t it like, “let’s do our best together”?　

Yuki: Huh. They’re strange kids. Momo, do you wanna eat some?

Momo: I wanna~!

Yuki: Then I’ll grill it.

Momo: Nice~!

--

Yaotome Gaku: Takanashi-san just delivered this to us. Ryuu, prepare it!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Sea breams are a lucky charm, after all! It’s a big sea bream, too! What do you want to eat it with?

Kujou Tenn: Sea bream over rice.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: That’s good, sounds delicious!

Kujou Tenn: Do we have mitsuba leaves? Maybe I should buy some.

Yaotome Gaku: We got three sea breams, so we could also do grilled fish or sashimi.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I kind of… am starting to feel like we won!

Kujou Tenn: Same.

Yaotome Gaku: Same. I feel like I’ve just scored a goal.

Kujou Tenn: Maybe it’s a strategy to make us let down our guard…?

Yaotome Gaku: IDOLiSH7 will eat it tonight, too, so I don’t think so…?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Let’s be thankful and eat it! Alright, let’s prepare it~!

--

Isumi Haruka: We kinda got a lot of sea breams from IDOLiSH7…

Haruka's grandmother: My, isn’t that nice, Haru-chan? Eat lots of it with your friends, will you?

Inumaru Touma: Excuse me! Sorry for intruding! I thought since it’s a good opportunity, we could all eat together!

Haruka's grandmother: It’s fine, take your time. The sea bream rice is almost ready, too.

Natsume Minami: I’m happy. I love it.

Haruka's grandmother: My, well, I am glad.

Isumi Haruka: Grandma, you can go now, so.

Haruka's grandmother: Yes, yes.

Midou Torao: Thanks, it will be a feast.

Midou Torao: The sea bream Haruka’s grandma grilled is yummy. But don’t you normally eat pork cutlets³…?

Natsume Minami: Sea bream have a bone called the sea bream’s sea bream because it is shaped like a fish. Supposedly, carrying it with you will ward off misfortune.

Isumi Haruka: Then the leader should carry it.

Inumaru Touma: A fish bone!? Won’t it smell!?

Midou Torao: Won’t it be fine as long as you put deodorant on it?

Inumaru Touma: Then should I hide it in my costume for the sake of victory…?

Isumi Haruka: It’s both surreal and funny that the guy preparing sea bream bones is going to dance in “New Black or White”.

Inumaru Touma: Mina, around where is the sea bream’s sea bream?

Natsume Minami: It appears to be around the pectoral fin.

Inumaru Touma: Then I’ll go find it now…

Isumi Haruka: If you find it, I want to see it, too.

Midou Torao: Me, too.

Inumaru Touma: It’s like a treasure hunt. Fufu, just wait for it…

--

Takanashi Tsumugi: And just like that, the night before the battle passed―

Takanashi Tsumugi: And December 31st… The day of “Black or White Live Showdown” arrived.

~ to be continued ~

--

TL notes:

Mod Riku here! I'd actually drafted this ages ago, so going back to do TL notes was kind of a hassle. We started this project over a year ago... Nostalgic, am I right? Two more chapters to go!!

...That being said, expect chapter 13 to take a bit. Both mods are kind of preoccupied.

¹ - I've dreaded this pun for a long time. I managed, though! (Click.)

² - Japanese counting words correspond to the thing you're counting, hence them joking about what counter to use for sea bream. (Click.)

³ - Katsu (pork cutlet) and katsu (to win) are homophones, so you eat katsudon before a competition.

[a-reader-and-a-writer]

AI-Less Whumptober 2024 Masterlist

Thank you to @ailesswhumptober for hosting the event! All of this year's prompts can be found here.

This year is a collaboration with @ohtobeleah so we will be splitting the prompts between us. Links to her fics will be included below as well, and I highly encourage everyone to check them out too! 💞 Her's will be listed in orange while mine will be listed in purple.

October 1 - public torture/public use, stress position, “If you cry, we’ll go easy on you.”

My Lover, My Hero After a nasty break-up with your Ex, Rhett, he comes to your rescue when two burley patrons don’t take no for an answer. {Rhett Abbott}

October 2 - Unfortunate fall, car accident, “Don’t move. You’ll be okay.”

An Angels Discretion When Bradley gets a call to say you’ve been involved in a major car accident, his whole world is turned upside down. {Alternate Ending to An Angels Discretion}

October 3 - Shared trauma, survivor’s guilt, “It’s not your fault.”

Protect Thy Saviour When Jake and Hollywood are enjoying a fire in the comfort and silence of Jake’s courtyard, Hollywood reminds Jake that nothing was ever his fault. {From the Bruises Series}

October 4 - Painful transformation, non-consensual body modifications, “You’re a monster.”

For What You've Done Five months ago, the love of your life was killed in a car accident. In the aftermath of Jake's death, you and Rooster lean on each other to deal with your grief and soon become a couple. So when you suggest a camping trip together, Rooster agrees. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?

October 5 - Overstimulation, migraines, “I can’t take this anymore.”

Breathe For Me The love of Jake’s life is plagued with chronic migraines after an unfortunate work place accident. But when a migraine feels wrong? Does Jakes initial response cost him his most priceless wife?

October 6 - Multiple whumpees, self sacrifice, “I’m the only one who can do this.”

Drink With Me (Part 2) Two years after Jake was forced to watch you ripped apart by the creatures that now terrorize the world, he is a shell of the man he once was. However, a familiar voice calling to him in the dark may give him a second chance.

October 7 - Field medicine, running out of supplies, “Hold on, we’re going to have to improvise.”

The Hills Have Eyes Jakes mind plagues him with haunting memories at your funeral. Bradley is forced to come to terms with the fact he'll be Jake Seresins metaphorical punching bag for the rest of his life. {From the Bruises Series}

October 8 - Rope burns, gagged, “You’re so much prettier this way.”

Lethal Weapon During an intense interrogation, your existence is made obsolete when half the population is turned to dust. What felt like a mere five minutes was in fact— five years. With the knowledge that Hydra was once again rising with intentions more sinister then the last, you do the job you were originally sent out to do. Protect Sargent James Buchanan Barnes at whatever means necessary.

October 9 - Hypothermia, heatstroke, “You look pretty pale.”

Frozen Jake is so intoxicated he forgets he played a life-threatening prank on you. Leaving you to freeze, for hours.

October 10 - Self worth issues, pushing away a loved one, “You don't need to earn this.”

The Secrets We Keep You have a patient booked in for an early ultrasound….What you don't expect is for it to be the new partner of your Ex-husband. Bradley Bradshaw.

October 11 - Hallucinations, truth serum, “Why would you even say that?”

This Moment Waking up with you in his bed should be a dream come true. But as you get ready for the day, Logan wishes things could be different.

October 12 - Isolation, sensory deprivation, “Can you feel me? I’m right here, whumpee.”

Blood Runs Thicker Than Water Charles and Logan, already in a Days of Future Past quests, take a detour when Charles feels another mutant in the Pentagon.

October 13 - Whumpee using themself as bait, defiance, “Take me instead.”

The Guys Next Door When your son shows up on Jakes door scared and all alone, he soon realises that something might be wrong at his neighbours home.

October 14 - Seizures, concussion, “See if you can follow my finger with your eyes.”

Sweeter Than Revenge Part 10 Just as you begin to think your life is perfect, a traumatic event occurs that changes everything.

October 15 - Waterboarding, removing body parts, “Don’t break down on me yet.”

The Middle Of Nowhere: First Steal There were many other girls before Little Fox. Jake has a reputation for getting carried away and letting his prey escape. This is the first time Bradley stole the win out from under his nose.

October 16 - Drowning, hostile environment, “I don’t know how anybody could survive that.”

Happy Together From the moment Tyler met you in your karaoke bar, he was smitten. However, he's terrified to tell you how he feels even as you start a friends-with-benefits situation. Will he find the courage before it's too late?

October 17 - Abandonment, misunderstanding, “Why did I even think you cared?”

Where Were You? You were planning a future with Rhett. That is until he disappeared without a trace. Now, four years later, a familiar figure shows up at your house after you are in an accident. But will you accept his explanation for where he's been?

October 18 - Mind control, possession, “Everybody will end up despising you.”

I Love You, Always When an unknown man comes into the cafe looking for who he calls “The Mutant” Logan’s world is once again turned upside down when you make the ultimate sacrifice.

October 19 - Disassociation, losing a sense, “I wish I could get you back.”

Addicted To You Kidnapped and locked in a room for months, your life has become nothing but Hood, the drug he gives you, and the pleasure you receive from both. But this time when it is time for your next dose, Hood is nowhere to be found...

October 20 - Enemy/Stranger to caretaker, accidental de-aging, “I’m absolutely not qualified for this shit.”

Nobody Can When a killer clown guts you like a fish, Bob is the one who stumbles upon you. Only to never come face to face who the person who did this to you.

October 21 - Drugged, ambulance ride, “This will make you feel better, okay?”

Animal Instinct When Rhett goes out hunting the wolf that has been killing the Abbott's livestock, he discovers more than he bargained for.

October 22 - Forced (to kneel/watch/hurt somebody else), whipped, “Do not look away.”

Do Not Look Away After the events of Bruises, Bradley comes face to face with his new reality. You’re experiencing a physical manifestation of PTSD and Jake’s still in a coma.

October 23 - Fever, passing out, “Hey?! Stay with me, okay?!”

Stay (Part 1) Once again, Bob finds himself dragged along to the club with the rest of his friends. Miserable, and unable to find the only person he really wants to spend time with, he decides to head home. But he's about to discover where Jake has been all night...

October 24 - Deconditioning, relapse, “It’s normal that you need more time.”

Seeing Clear Now that you are back from the dead, you wonder how Clark is handling what happened. However, when Dick tells you no one knows where he is, you decide to track him down and show him you have returned.

October 25 - Humiliation, betrayal, “How could you?!”

I Got You A night at The Hard Deck takes a dire turn when you realize someone has slipped something into your drink. As the drugs begin kicking in, you turn to your pilot for help.

October 26 - Electrocution, burning, “This is going to sting.”

Burning Love When you and Bucky are captured, HYDRA scientists try to force you to use your powers to kill him. But you refuse to hurt the man you love, regardless of how much pain it may cause you...

October 27 - Before vs after, Alternate universe, “Well, there’s a first for everything.”

October 28 - Internal bleeding, needles and stitches, “I didn’t think the wound was that bad…”

Dangerously in Love (Part 2) After witnessing your murder on a video call, Frank's only focus is on revenge. But he's about to learn that things are not always as they seem...

October 29 - Ownership, branding, “Everybody will know that you’re mine.”

October 30 - Poison, delirium, “You’re not making sense.”

Stay (Part 2) Jake thought he died in that alley after he was mugged. But thanks to a special someone, he pulled through. And when Bob brings him a gift more precious than his own life, Jake does what he should have done a long time ago.

October 31 - Panic attack, facing a phobia, “You need to get out of here!”

Sweeter Than Revenge Epilogue As you begin to head home after your traumatic night, you discover Tyler's concerns were valid. But can you learn to overcome your fears when your greatest fear might still come true? Are things truly over between you and Tyler?

[khywae]

No more fanfiction

Hey loves,

I just wanted to chat with you about a new direction I'm taking in my career.

My recent trip made me rethink a lot of things. It made me realize how short life is and how much time I've “lost” due to mental health struggles. My mind was my number #1 enemy, but not anymore. Now I'm determined to pursue my dreams unapologetically.

My biggest dream is to create a lasting legacy. I want to leave behind tons of content with the female gaze, portraying men as objects of desire rather than just women. It might seem like a silly dream compared to other, more grandiose ones, but I never had access to a lot of content like that. I always felt starved, scavenging the internet for scraps, especially when it came to submissive men. While I've found solace in the writing world, which flourishes with the female gaze, it’s still not enough. Men are just too gorgeous not to be appreciated in other forms of art. I want to live in a world where women have access to quality female gaze content and don’t have to resort to the male gaze if they don’t wish to. That means no faceless dudes, no showing only the woman’s body, and no men so ugly that could make a freight train take a dirt road. Enough.

To turn this dream into reality, I started to think. I could continue with writing, but as you guys can see from the number of words in The Muse and the time it took me to write it (6 fucking years), it would take too long. As the old saying goes, ars longa, vita brevis. Art takes a long time, and life is short. And I, my darlings, have a mission.

Because I love writing too much, I need something that limits the amount I can write. I thought about making videos, but it took out a large portion of the writing part, and it left me unsatisfied. After a lot of thought, I realized that video games can be the solution. They have visual elements, so I don’t need/can’t rely so heavily on my writing; I love games, I play them every day; and I can count on my fingers the number of adult games for women, meaning we need more. A lot more.

Like our himbo icon Kronk says, oh yeah, it’s all coming together.

So I'm excited to announce that I'll be creating games – fangames at first – that mix the interactive side of games and the smut from fanfiction. The SFW version of the games will be free, and the NSFW version and other perks can be accessed through my (freshly launched!) Patreon. There you'll have the power to vote for the next character featured in the games, access work-in-progress pictures and animations, see my writing process, and more. I’m still figuring things out, but I’m super hyped for this!

Currently, I’m working on the very first game of this legacy, called My Assassin Bodyguard. Yes, I transformed the Toji video/fanfic idea that I posted before into a game. You can play the demo now on itch.io!! You don't even have to download woooo!! The game may seem really basic as I get a hang of things and learn new software, but with time we’ll make improvements, such as adding different player characters, a smut gallery, and voice acting (!!!). Anything to make the experience the best it can be.

For those of you who are mostly here for my writing, don’t despair. My writing will still be alive, just in a different medium that needs me right now. I hope you understand. Thank you for your support all these years, for being here through it all. I'd be thrilled for you to join me on this new journey and help me bring this dream to life, together.

So here's the link to Patreon! (⸝⸝ᵕᴗᵕ⸝⸝) I hope to see you there! But if you can’t, I’ll still post updates here and you can always play the games on itch for free. After this dream is accomplished, my next mission will be to write books. Maybe I’ll do it along the way. We’ll see. Life’s full of surprises after all, and that’s the beauty of it. Let's enjoy it the best we can ♡

With love,

Khywae

TL;DR: Life's too short, I write too much and too slow, and I've got a ton of content to create to make my dream happen. So I'm switching to game development for now. I'd love for you to join me on this journey to make this dream a reality. Thank you for everything, love you.

P.S.:

About the Lore

I was so excited about this that I created a little world. Based on the two iconic fanfiction terms —ship and canon—, and my love for Pirate AUs, I came up with a world where we sail across the ocean, collecting ingredients to craft Tapes that connect us with different Alternate Universes. It’s basically a Witch-Pirates-‘90s nostalgia mix. I've got plans to flesh it out even more over time, like adding some decorations, some hot pirates... Important stuff, you know?

Here's the boat in its simplest form, to symbolize that our journey is just starting:

[keelt9]

Chapter 9

Masterlist

The growl along the long licks disturb my dream. “Rosco, be still.” Roscoe weights lay down next to me, he’s actually real. “ROSCOE!” 

Lewis enters rushing, cursing low. “Sorry, I forgot to close the door when we arrived.” 

I sit in the bed rubbing Roscoe's head, they are supposed to arrive tomorrow night, not today in the morning.

“Mom said you arrived late, everything all right?” For now, I preferred to keep the Max theme out of my family.

“Yeah, let me change and I told you the news of the shelter.” Lewis nods, calling Roscoe out of my room. 

My clock marks 9:15 am, the thought of spending another afternoon with Max keeps my heart beating fast.

“Oh my lord, I’m nuts.” I stand going to the bath for a quick shower, with a battle on my mind to focus on other stuff. 

At breakfast I told Lewis the news about the farm and the fact I need him here by next week. He insisted I could hold it on my own, but that wasn’t my money.

Lewi giggles, giving Roscoe another piece of apple. “All right, send me day and hour and I’ll be there.”

“You won’t stay all week, honey?” Mom asked, sitting one more time on the table outside in the garden.

“No, I just came to drop Roscoe, Monday morning, I need to be in Monaco.” I feel awful to be relieved he won’t stay the week with us. “So, I was thinking, what about if we have a family day, a picnic for me more specifically.”

I choke with my coffee, winning the worry eyes of my family. “I’m fine, it's just that I drink too fast.” 

Dad pat my back as I take a sip of water. “Sounds great, let’s do it.” Dad answered, pretty excited. 

“I can’t.” Lewis narrowed his eyes. “Hey, I have work to finish by the end of the summer. I must have everything ready for the presentation.” 

“Come Y/N, it’s just one day.” Lewis laid back in his chair. “I will help you next week.”

“Yeah, right.” We both laughed but he knows he’s been avoiding all the paperwork on purpose. “It’s ok, go have fun with mom and dad, I’ll be fine.”

Lewis nods, he knows passing time with our parents is something he treasure.

They plan to go after midday. I hear all the time come and go packing things, asking if something is already in the car or if they miss something. 

“Let me do my last attempt.” Lewis said enter the living room where I've been working all day, next to the big cristal window. “It’s weekend Y/N, come on.” 

I take my glasses off. “I want to make sure everything it’s perfect.” 

Lewis laughs, taking a glimpse of the document on the computer. “Ok, ok, then let me do something for you instead.” 

I look at him curiously. “In three weeks, I have a small “event”, come with me, I promise, you’ll love it.” 

I just have time to open my mouth one more time before he continues. “There won’t be a lot of cameras, I promise.”

Roscoe enters with Jewel playing with a ball. “Roscoe will come too.” 

That makes me laugh and convinces me. “All right, all right.” Lewis smiles kissing my head. 

“We leave you working, don’t wait for us, I’ll plan taking mom and dad to a quick trip boat tomorrow morning.” I nod, patting Roscoe and Jewel's heads.

I say goodbye to them as they drive out of the house, giggling at how Roscoe and Jewell can be seen from the crystal excited for a new trip. 

The hours passed without me even realizing, until I heard a car parking  in front of my parents house, my sure bet is Mika or Thomas, maybe both together if I’m lucky today.

But the doorbell made me tilt my head. Any one of them does that, they just knock waiting for Jewel to announce with loud barks running one side to the other.

I stand going to the big door. “Now you ri…Oh my!” Max is standing at the door with that self-sufficient smile. “It’s five already?”

I watch my watch, 3:47. “No, it’s not but I came here with an offer and high hopes.” Max said as I rolled my eyes. “You already took me 6 months away from me…”

“I took?” Max raises his hand for I let him talk, a giggle escapes.

“Leave me with just a few days…come with me this weekend, I swear we won’t leave London.” Max raises his eyebrows.

“You hate London, the weather, the food, you said it out loud.” Max’s smile grows bigger.

“You saw the video of the social accounts, now I’m aware of that thank you.” Betray for myself.

“I’ve known Checo since I was a kid, of course I see that.” Max nods but I know he doesn’t believe it’s for his teammate. “Ok, I’ll go.” 

The complaints of Max got stuck in his mouth for the way I quickly agreed. “Are you playing with me?” 

I shake my head laughing. “What? You just grant me months free of you, that’s all you need.” 

He just opened his mouth, faking a hurt expression. I walked inside of the house leaving the door open for him to get inside, but he took his time, when I turned around he was clearing his throat and adjusting his clothes.

“My parents aren't here, don't need that.” Max's face turns red as he walks inside, closing the door. “Do you mind waiting a couple of hours? I'm almost finished.”

Max nods follows me through the hallway until the living room. He keeps on his phone for an hour until he starts to walk around the living room taking his time in every photo he could find. From time to time I raise my gaze, finding him smiling at them.

Photos of my brothers and sisters with their families all over the place, but he stops a while in the photo my parents have next to the other big window.

“He is Moon?” Max asked, showing me the picture.

I take a quick look, Moon is lying down on the couch next me, sleeping after his last surgery on his leg. 

“Yeah, my dad took it, I guess that's when my conflict habits began.” It took me a couple of seconds realizing he actually heard that story. “You listen.”

Max nods, putting the photo in his place. “I'm not going to lie, the last part is hard to remember.” He smiles at me, with those eyes that make me believe good things could happen if I’m willing to take the risk.

“Hm, give me a couple of minutes and I’ll be here, ready to go.” I said walking to take my laptop and go upstairs to prepare. “A clue of where are you going to take me, for bringing the proper clothes.” 

“Kind of cold.” I nod trying to find with a couple of words, where are we going.

It took me around 20 minutes to get ready. When I got down Max was talking with someone, I guess someone of his family because he’s speaking in Dutch, so I went right to the kitchen to take some snacks, after I go back to the living room, he’s ready too. 

“What did you tell your parents? You’re dreaming if you think I’ll get you back by night?” He asks while his eyes are stuck on the road, going outside of London.

“Am, they’re with Lewis, he came for the weekend.” His jaw tense, and it took him a couple of seconds to speak one more time.

“He friendly ask me to leave you alone.” I nod hiding a smile, I can perfectly picture that friendly petition of Lewis.

“I know. He told me that too.” I see the switch of houses to greenland and the sun hiding between trees.

Max bluffs taking a look at me. “Useless, he knows my tendency of don’t follow recommendations.” I look at his eyes. “If you’re involved, he’s out of his mind.”

I turn around shaking my head, repeating the same words I texted Mika about my runaway. <It’s just a weekend, nothing more.>

After 30 minutes of driving I realize where are we heading, it’s a sight sitting place, famous for have a few cabins in case if you want to spend the night, the issue and the reason why not so many people come to this place is because the spooky stories around the place, but the view every morning and night, it’s out of this world. 

I get down, and he’s right, the cold it’s really perceptible. “How do you know this place?” 

I see around a few cars parked still not so much as to be the benign of summer.

Max stands next to me with his bag and mine on his shoulder. “Searching on the net.” I smile. “Let’s go, we’re on time to see the sundown.” 

We walked where all the cabins were. Max insisted I go ahead while he asked for our keys. There aren’t any kids, just some couples and a few teenagers with their families walking around, going with stuff for a bonfire and seeing the big trees all over the place.

“Y/N, is it you darling?” I see to my right, a woman with gray hair and big coat narrows her eyes at me, if I don’t see her peculiar earrings I wouldn't recognize her. 

“Mrs. Whisport?” The woman smiles and walks at me with open arms.

Mrs. Whitsport, was my teacher in the key stage 2, when I was 5 years old; Thomas and I always remind her of her peculiar earring which switches according to the season, time passed without a doubt.

She hugs me tight. “Look how big you are, and undoubtedly beautiful.” She grabs my face eyes full of proud. 

“Mrs. Whitsport, it’s so good to see you.” I grabbed her hands after she let go of my face. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, we came with my son and his family, passing time with my grandkids too.” She smiles seeing the people between the trees, two teenagers, his husband and a couple that I can remember, the man, her son. 

“Ready, let’s go.” Max appears with the keys between his hand and a big smile. 

Mrs. Whitsport has a big smile on her face. “So, he’s the lucky man your parents talked about last year.”  

My blood runs cold; it’s awful how the memory of someone you loved so much now only makes you shiver, unable to move or say something else. 

I hissed, but my parents must have found her before the wedding and told her; I couldn’t speak so I just had time to fake a smile, before her husband appreche to us.

Mr. Whitsport smiled at us before talking to his wife. “Darling we must leave, the kids are waiting.” 

Mrs. Whitsport nods and hugs me wishing me the best in the new stage of my life. 

Max is reminded in silence looking at me, I feel a buzz sensation all over my body but I’m trying to get rid of it quickly.

“I guess, I’m not the lucky man, right?” I close my eyes, breathing in slowly.

“Believe me, not be the <lucky man> it’s a compliment.” I feel how my nails get in my palms; fighting to put aside the memories of Caleb.

Until Max put his hand over my fist, holding it tight, making me open my eyes and seeing him.

He smiles softly at me. “We can go if you don’t feel ok.” I won’t let Caleb ruin all around me.

I tingle his finger with mine. “Never let the lucky man get between us, ok?” 

Max smiles and nods, pulling me as we walk to the cabins, letting the air help me to calm down and focus on the moment.

Our cabin is among two empty ones, the perfect spot for both of us to have privacy. Inside the bonfire under the chimney is lights on, illuminating the place. It was until Max turned on the lights that you could see the place, actually big, a small living room, a kitchen along with a small dining room and two bedrooms, however all the facilities inside.

“This cost a fortune right?” I asked as Max walked inside of each room leaving our bags. “Max?” 

I heard him giggling but he just came out. “Let’s go, I have the perfect spot for seeing the sundown.”

He passed running pulling me by my hand like a little kid going to the park after a day of school.

We walked until we found a small spot on the border of a hillside, where he’s right, you can see the sun hiding among big mountains. We sit there in silence enjoying the view and hearing sounds of night animals around us.

“Thanks.” I said out of blue with my hands hugging me. “To be like a buoy.”

Max laughs seeing me, but he knows it wasn’t the moment of asking a question I’m not able to answer, he just limits to nod, seeing the sun disappear as the night covers us.

“I’m hungry.” He said, standing shaking his jeans removing the grass from them. “Let’s see what we can find for eating.” 

He extends his hands for me to take it as we walk back talking and joking about the stories that surround this place.

“So, thank you for bringing me to a place that could scare me to death.” I joke as we enter the cabin one more time, as I head to the kitchen I see a lot of food bags on the table.

I get down my head shaking it. “You are unbelievable Emilian.” He just walks casually next me opening the bags taking out the food, that I’m not going to lie, smells amazing. 

“Emilian? That's weird to hear.” I walk to the table as he keeps taking out the food along with marshmallows, chocolate, cookies and all you could need for a bonfire.

“You’re always honest with me, right?” I started to ask him.

“Of course.” He gives my food container, lasagaña, my favorite. 

“You didn’t like to waste energy?” He sits in front of me opening his kebab.

“Saving for the best.” I take my cutlery, seeing him distracted, taking a bite.

“Did you prepare this yesterday after you left me at home or this morning?” I ask my final question.

“Yesterday, for sure.” I nod and take him a couple of seconds realizing his answer. “I mean, it came like late night idea.”

“Yes, of course.” One more time the tingling sensation in my heart begins, the mere thought of him actually came to London just to see me. It's charming. “Casanova.” 

Max choked with his food. “I only do this for you!”

“Got you.” I whisper taking the first bite of my dinner. “Lovely.”

Dinner passed after all that fuss in calmness. Even though I've been working all day, my body doesn’t feel tired at all, actually when he suggested making the bonfire I agreed right away. 

After his hardworking attempts he couldn't light on, so I took it in charge. I must thank Thomas, every camping he made me sit next to him teaching me how to light a bonfire.

He used to joke that if I got lost in the woods at least I would keep warm for the bears. 

After my second smore, he asked about my tendency with the snacks.

I giggle. “Oh, it begins when I was around 12 maybe 14, I started to stay in the library after classes and brings food take so much space on my backpack, one day I passed to a store and I found a small gummies, the package wasn’t anything noise and the smell was kind of imperceptible, perfect for the library.” Max gives another marshmello. “With the time I notice, I’ll always bring a snack, it helps me to concentrate.”

“It doesn’t have so much coherence.” I push him softly. “But it works for you.”

I nod watching the stars. “After this are you going home?” 

“I want to spend a few weeks with my family.” Max observes the fire, for the way his jaw clenched he’s still something to say.

“You better be there, they must be missing you.” I see my watch, 1 am. “And we should go to sleep, tomorrow we must go back.” 

“Do you have plans to go to Monaco?” He asked as I poured water on the bonfire to extinguish. 

“No, Monaco was momentary; here I have a lot of work, besides, Lewis tends to spend a few days here at home, so…” Max's eyes have a bit of sadness. “ Hey, I’ll be watching the races, don’t worry, I can keep an eye on you.”

This time he laughs follows me inside of the cabin, where we prepare for sleep, in our rooms, I fall asleep after reading the text of Mika, with big letters, <You better tell me everything when I see you.>

It was around 3 in the morning when the stories I was told Max started to make sense after I could swear I heard weird noises at my window, the fact you can see the log of a tree and branch hitting each other doesn’t help. 

I tried to fall asleep but I couldn't so I took my blanket and my jacket to sleep on the couch, this time with a good reason.

It works because I stop hearing the weird noises letting me fall asleep quickly, until Max wakes me up this time.

“Are you all right?” He asked, sitting in front of me. “It’s cold here.” 

I nod with my eyes close. “I heard weird noises, I got scared so I chose to sleep here.” He bluffs.

“Now, you’re the one who is scare.” Hours ago I laughed at the way Max kept turning around as we walked in the woods. 

“Shh, I’m sleeping.” I hid my face in the blanket, but he stayed there.

“Let’s switch bedrooms, a little bit of noise won’t be that frightening.” He jokes but I’m so sleep for even open my eyes.

“It’s ok, it’s been a couple of hours.” I turn around. “I’m used to this.” I heard him moving around, I thought he would just go back to his bedroom until I felt his arm under my legs and my neck, carefully carrying me.

“You’re so dim.” I couldn’t open my eyes, this time not for my sleep, this time I feel shy to even do it. 

He let me down on the bed carefully. “See, so much better, keep sleeping.” He covers me with the blankets, but…

Do you know that impulse for making worth the saying, “Now or never? This is the kind of impulse I had at that moment.

I open the blankets, grabbing his hand, pulling him to turn around, making him lay down on the bed, behind me.

“Y/N…I…” I raise my hand pulling his other arm, I feel how he’s containing his breathing. “I…”

Max cleared his voice but his words got stuck when I put the arm I was holding over my waist grabbing his hand.

“It’s cold, ok?” Feeling him so nervous makes me smirk. “Now, shh, let me sleep.”

Max moves trying to calm but I hear and feel his erratic breathing, so I turn around unable to move his arm, this time my face is against his chest.

I put my hand over it. “Am I the one who is scared?” I laugh, the beating of his heart is so fast. 

“I’m not scared.” Max said relaxing his body. “I’m nervous.”

“Mad Max scare?” I was breathing in slowly, his fragrance cloudy my mind. “Who will say?”

Max giggles, kissing the top of my head. “Keep sleeping, please.”

I nod, falling asleep as his hands hold me tight. <It’s just a weekend, nothing more.> But the best weekend in years.

The constant buzz makes me open my eyes, Max head over mine and his hands on my back and waist peacefully sleeping, I could stay here for more time but the buzzing doesn’t stop.

I move carefully, trying so hard not to wake him up; when I thought I made it, my attempt to roll was interrupted by his hand pulling me by my waist.

“We’re sleeping.” I smile but the buzz answers for me. “Fuck.” He rolls taking his phone. “It’s mine, sorry.”

I stand going to the bathroom with my cellphone, a lot of messages of family after Lewis photos with our parents enjoying the weekend along with one of Thomas, notifying me the owners of the farm agree to reunite with us Friday morning.

He doesn't know anything; Mika could be a padlock, when she wants to.

After I came out Max was walking from one side to the other with a frustrated expression on his face, speaking in Dutch one more.

After he hung up he scratched his head. “We have to go, right?”

Max opens his eyes. “How do you know?” I sit on the bed, as he keeps standing on the frame door.

“Lewis has that expression too when he has to go abruptly.” I remember the uncountable times he saw us in a calm day, follow by, <I have to go.>

“Sorry, something came up and my family loved to have me there.” Max looks so guilty, but he doesn't have too.

I smiled at him, walking to grab my bag. “I'll take a quick shower so we can go, ok?”

Max nods as he follows me with his eyes, don't say anything else.

50 minutes later we’re about to enter one more time on the gravel road of my parents house.

As I come out I see the photo of Roscoe, Lewis is calling.

“I have to pick it up.” I said to Max as I took my bag from the boot. “Hi there.”

I heard the sounds of footsteps on the wood and paws. “We're taking a quick trip, how are you?”

I look around as the sun is coming out, Max observing me. “Perfect, I see you having a great time.”

Lewis giggles. “We do, it's amazing weather around here.” I'm happy to hear that. “Just a quick news, I know how much you love to make dinner but don’t do it, when we arrive we’re going out to dinner.”

“HA HA HA, so funny.” I roll my eyes, Lewis knows perfectly I’m a disaster in the kitchen.  

The captain announced they were ready to go. “I have to go, see you in the night.”

“Yes, sir.” He laughs before hanging out.

I look at my phone before seeing Max, after all this our real lives and the atmosphere so tense around us only confirms it.

“So this is it?” Max asked like he's reading my mind. “Back to normal?”

“This is it.” I press my lips together with a smile. “Go, your family is waiting.”

Max plays with her keys to the car. “Do mind if I text you from time to time?” 

I searched for the pen on the bag, and a piece of paper, writing down my number for giving to him.

“Have a safe flight Max.” I waved my hand, feeling him close one more time, just made the knot of my heart bigger.

Max gets inside of the car seeing me with wishful eyes, but still driving outside of the house one more time.

I watch him go, before turning around entering the house.

“Get yourself together Y/N, before we get hurt again.” I whisper to myself going upstairs to my bedroom.

In the afternoon Mika came to the house with the firm intention to cook as I spit it out all the story.

As we finish our meal, I finish the story until this morning.

Mika takes a sip of his water, but her expression doesn't suit me at all, a serious face with a twisted mouth.

“You think like my brother, right?” I asked to take the last bite of my salad.

Mike's sigh. “Sorry Y/N, but I do.” She looks at me. “If you want me to be as excited as Thomas, I'm not. You just met him a few months ago, and he's so into you?” 

That's what I fear. “You're amazing, no one has to corroborate that with me, I know, but the love stories of the movies we must keep them in the movies.”

She grabs my hand. “This is for the best, if it's real, keep it real.”

“I don't get it.” I know she isn’t trying to be mean just her words, her eyes let me know, she’s actually afraid.

“Take your time, let things start to take its own course, you're just about to start a huge project, something you dream for years. You even said moving around the world is something that is tiring for you.” Mika smiles this time. “Love will come I'm sure about that but at the right moment not racing in a car.”

Both of us giggled. “Baby steps, remember?” She stands next to me. “Let this huge heart heal before letting someone else enter and pay the price for what someone else broke and it’s not completely healed.” 

I lay down my head on her shoulder. “If it's real, I will be there when you're ready.”

“I hate your way of being honest.” She laughed, hugging me tight. “But I love that honesty too.”

“A cursing gift.” We stayed in silence for a moment. “You know what I hate?”

“What?” I asked as I split apart. 

“Doing the dishes, so help me because your family will be here anytime, this is a mess” Mika stands hugging me one more time.  “You know I love you right?” She pats my back as I nod. 

“I love you too.” I whisper at her.

“Own, what a lovely scene, don't move, this deserves a picture.” Lewis appears in the kitchen with his phone right to us and with Roscoe behind him. “Mika, you cook?”

He walks, taking a bite of lunch, enjoying every moment. “Delicious as always.”

“I heard Mika cooked.” Dad appears taking a bite.

Mika rolls her eyes. “I made enough, the rest is still in the oven.”

“I smell it from the living room.” Mom enters kissing Mika cheek. “Is there for me?”

“Oh my god! You better help with the dishes family.” Lewis and dad raised his thumbs busy eating, Roscoe sitting in front of Mika ready for the vegetables. 

[writingwithciara]

Love Boat ~Cam Cameron~

summary: cam takes the internship on the boat but before he leaves, y/n has something important to tell him

word count: 1.4k

pairing: cam cameron x bestfriend!reader

notes: okay so cam was the absolute sweetest person ever. i saw some people looking for some cam fluff so i decided to write some. this is a best friends to lovers prompt because that’s truly the best trope

masterlist

Most people dream about owning a beach house and staying there year round but very few people actually can say that’s what they do. Y/n lives in one year round. And to her, the best part is not being on the beach. No. It’s having her best friend live close by.

Cam was one of the only people who understood her completely. Their relationship was an open book and that was something they both loved about it. It was easy for them.

The only secret that was being kept was Cam’s. He was offered a summer internship on the whale-watching boat but didn’t know how to tell y/n without upsetting her. It was the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. It became even harder when y/n came to him with tickets for a trip she wanted to take with him over the summer.

“I got two tickets for this cruise and I want to take you with me.”

“Me?”

“Of course you. Who else? Who better than my best friend?”

“I guess there’s no argument there, huh?” Cam chuckled awkwardly. Y/n looked at him and smiled. Cam loved that smile. “I got offered an internship on the whale watching boat.”

“What? Cam, that’s amazing. Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” He rubbed the back of his neck and avoided eye contact with y/n. “You realize what that means, don’t you?”

“That you can’t come on the cruise with me this summer?”

“Yeah. I would love to go with you, but this whale watching boat means a lot to me. N-not that you don’t mean a lot to me too.”

“Cam, it’s okay. I’m really happy for you.” Y/n smiled again. “You’re living the dream. Your dream. Do you understand how proud that makes me?”

“Yeah I do. And thank you for being so understanding. I couldn’t figure out the right way to tell you.”

“Why’s that?”

“I didn’t want to make you upset. We spend every summer together and I thought you would hate me for not being around this year.”

“I could never hate you, Cam. In fact, I….” Y/n paused and Cam stared at her. “Nevermind. It can wait.” She shoved the tickets into her pocket and smiled. “When do you leave?”

“I leave on Tuesday.”

“That gives us 6 days together. We can cram a whole summers worth of fun into the rest of the week. If you’re free, of course.”

“For you, I’m always free.”

“Just not for the summer.” y/n smirked and checked her phone. “Our week of summer starts at 6 pm. Meet me at the country club tonight?”

“Yeah. For sure. I’ll see you then.” Cam smiled as he watched y/n get on her bike and ride away. That was way easier than he expected it to be.

Later that night, Cam waited outside the country club for 15 minutes before y/n walked out. She had a special membership that allowed her to use the club whenever she pleased, just as long as she cleaned up any mess she made.

“Hey. What do you have planned tonight?”

“Follow me and you’ll soon find out.” y/n smirked and walked back into the club. Cam followed her out to the pool. When Cam saw what she had set up, he grinned.

“Wow. This looks so cool.”

“You always talked about how cool it would be to sit in a kiddie pool while it floated in an actual pool and look up at the stars.”

“I think the last time I mentioned that was almost 2 years ago. I can’t believe you remembered that.”

“You’re my best friend, Cameron. I don’t think I’ve ever forgotten a thing you’ve said.”

As y/n climbed into the blow up pool, Cam realized he was more than happy that she was his best friend. It made it  so much harder for him to be excited about leaving her for the summer.

Over the next few days, y/n had so many fun activities planned for the two of them. By the last night, it became clear that Cam couldn’t even leave her. It would be too hard for both of them.

The final activity was all day laser tag and the rest of the night would be spent on the boardwalk. Y/n had won 80% of the laser tag so when it came time to play the carnival games, it was Cam’s time to show off. He won all the games and gave the prizes to y/n.

“Thank you, for all the stuff you planned out this week.” Cam sipped his root beer slowly and took a bite of his funnel cake.

“You deserve some fun once in a while.” She nudged his shoulder gently and looked at the wagon of prizes. “Thanks for all the prizes, Cam. Now I’ll have something to remember you by when you leave tomorrow.”

“Okay. Like years of friendship isn’t enough?” He joked.

“Of course it is. But you can’t cuddle up to memories, Cameron. That’s why I’m going to love these stuffed animals. Each and every one of them is stuffed with fluff and the warmth of knowing that my favorite person in the whole world won them for me.”

“You’re making this so much harder for me.” Cam started, nearly in tears.

“Cam, don’t cry. You’ll be back in 2 months. It’s not forever.” y/n was starting to cry too. Neither of them knew why it bothered them.

“I know. But what if something bad happens? What if the boat gets caught in a storm or what if a shark attacks us or something?”

“Hey, you’ll be fine. I know it will be. You’re going to be the best intern out there.”

“I’m scared though. I don’t want to be this terrified.”

“Cam, they’re just whales. They’re mostly harmless so you’ll be safe. I have the utmost faith in you, Cameron.” y/n held his hand tightly. “You’re the smartest person I know.”

“I’m really going to miss you when I’m gone.”

“Like I said, it’s only 2 months. You’ll be back before you know it & I will be right here waiting for you when you return.”

“I’m lucky I got a whole ton of pictures of us in my phone to look at whenever I miss you.” Cam smiled as y/n’s hand found its way to his cheek. He leaned in to the touch as she wiped away the tears that fell.

“Look, Cam, I’ve gotta tell you something. Something serious.”

“No, don’t speak.” His hand found the back of her neck and he pulled her in slowly. When their lips met, it was sweet and gentle. Completely on brand for Cam. He let her go and she sighed.

“I was going to say that I love you and it was okay if you didn’t feel the same way, but after that kiss, I think it’s safe to say that you do.” y/n let out a shaky breath. “Do you?”

“Yes. I do. I completely do.” Cam smiled and leaned back in. He was sure he was going to collapse if he hadn’t already been sitting on a bench. “You know, I think I’ve felt this way for quite some time but I wasn’t sure. Not until I got the internship and thought about being away from you. It killed me just thinking about it. That’s why it took me so long to say anything. I didn’t want to see the look on your face when I told you.”

“But you had nothing to worry about.”

“I had nothing to worry about.” Cam smiled and held her face close before resting his forehead against hers. “I love you so much, y/n. You’re my favorite person. I don’t know where I’d be if you hadn’t come into my life 6 years ago.”

“I don’t what I would’ve done either. I thank god for you every day, Cameron. For everything you’ve brought into my life. The happiness, the warmth, the kindness, the wisdom and most importantly, the love.” y/n kissed him again. and again. and again. She never wanted to stop.

taglist: @worldlxvlys

[serial-serializednovelreader]

Nova’s Notes - Dracula Daily - July 18

We’re out of the Droughtula! And onto the voyage of the Demeter….

“If Mr. Stoker has a problem with this he is cordially invited to rise from his mouldering grave and take it up with me personally.”

Truly, an iconic editor’s note! Matt is not playing around and, selfishly, I would love to actually see this showdown occur.

“Written 18 July, things so strange happening, that I shall keep accurate note henceforth till we land.”

Basically the Captain:

For real though, you know what this reminds me of? Jonathan Harker on his first day he noticed strange things occurring at the castle. Here’s what he said then:

“I began to fear as I wrote in this book that I was getting too diffuse; but now I am glad that I went into detail from the first, for there is something so strange about this place and all in it that I cannot but feel uneasy…”

Thanks to wanting to record his trip for Mina, he had already started taking detailed notes for the trip. These notes served him well in his time at castle Dracula.

Unfortunately, the captain of the Demeter was not taking detailed logs beforehand, but it’s telling that he begins to as soon as he notices something strange! Just a neat parallel I thought I would point out.

“On 6 July we finished taking in cargo, silver sand and boxes of earth. At noon set sail. East wind, fresh. Crew, five hands ... two mates, cook, and myself (captain).”

To note here, it has been twelve days since they set sail and it has taken twelve days to reach the point of someone logging the incidents. I suppose that’s a record above Dracula’s previous time with Jonathan, which was *three* days (really, more like two).

Also, sorry to put the answer to your post in here, @mermaid-above-water, but I figured it would be best! To answer your question of how many crew hands are on the Demeter….I’ll be real with you, I was going to take the captain’s number of “5” at face value, but @dramaticpandabear summed it up best with evidence: it’s 9. I’m going to be using their post as reference for the future when I make my notes You can get this number by adding 5 (hands) + 2 (mates) + 1 (cook) + 1 (captain). I definitely understand the confusion — like I said, I was confused too! No wonder the captain says he needs to take more accurate notes…

“On 11 July at dawn entered Bosphorus. Boarded by Turkish Customs officers. Backsheesh. All correct. Under way at 4 p. m.”

Everything seems fine here! Only thing to note is that I believe when he refers to “backsheesh”, he means the practice of bribing customs officers, sooo that’s fun. /s

“On 12 July through Dardanelles. More Customs officers and flagboat of guarding squadron. Backsheesh again. Work of officers thorough, but quick. Want us off soon. At dark passed into Archipelago.”

So it looks like this time they got less of a warm welcome, with more customs officers investigating their cargo. More backsheesh, and they had to leave the port much more quickly. Notice how they’re not finding anything strange in their cargo, say a “human”….hm….

“On 13 July passed Cape Matapan. Crew dissatisfied about something. Seemed scared, but would not speak out.”

At this point, they’ve just passed Greece. That’s not very far into their journey! Yet already, something strange is afoot — the crew seem scared. But about what? If I had to guess, Dracula is starting to give them strange dreams and because sailors are usually inclined to believe in the supernatural/superstition, they probably see it as a bad omen (especially if more than one of them had a bad dream). They probably don’t want to tell the captain though, either due to him not seeming to believe in the supernatural or not wanting to worry him (or because of one of the mates, who is a skeptic).

“On 14 July was somewhat anxious about crew. Men all steady fellows, who sailed with me before. Mate could not make out what was wrong; they only told him there was something, and crossed themselves. Mate lost temper with one of them that day and struck him. Expected fierce quarrel, but all was quiet.”

Yikes, I already don’t like this mate. He comes across like a massive jerk. The rest of the crew reminds me a lot of the villagers of Transylvania — steady, but scared. Crossing themselves and refusing to speak further on the matter….very much like the innkeeper and his wife when asked about Dracula. Perhaps they’ve seen other signs of his presence at this point as well (a mist appearance, perhaps?). It’s telling that the crew remains uncharacteristically quiet, rather than starting a fight after the mate hits one of them: this tells me they’re trying not to attract attention. But from what?

“On 16 July mate reported in the morning that one of crew, Petrofsky, was missing. Could not account for it. Took larboard watch eight bells last night; was relieved by Abramoff, but did not go to bunk. Men more downcast than ever. All said they expected something of the kind, but would not say more than there was somethingaboard. Mate getting very impatient with them; feared some trouble ahead.”

The first very strange thing has happened: a crew member — Petrofsky — has gone missing. That leaves them with 4 hands now, down to eight on the ship total. This is obviously affecting the captain negatively as he did not rest even after a watch. As for the “larboard watch eight bells” phrase, larboard was an archaic word for port (the left side of a ship), so he must have been assigned to watch that side, and as for eight bells, eight bells is the common signal on board a ship that a watch has ended.

We are also given a new name of one of the crew members: Abramoff. I’m going to imagine he’s one of the four remaining hands (it seems it was common practice to not have the cook stand watch at night, so I don’t think it’s the cook), since the captain keeps referring to his mates as just “mates”, though this could be proven wrong with time.

Again, the crew is much like the Transylvanian villagers: scared, yet resigned. They know already something like this was going to happen. However, one of the mates seems to be getting more and more impatient with them…

“On 17 July, yesterday, one of the men, Olgaren, came to my cabin, and in an awestruck way confided to me that he thought there was a strange man aboard the ship. He said that in his watch he had been sheltering behind the deck-house, as there was a rain-storm, when he saw a tall, thin man, who was not like any of the crew, come up the companion-way, and go along the deck forward, and disappear. He followed cautiously, but when he got to bows found no one, and the hatchways were all closed. He was in a panic of superstitious fear, and I am afraid the panic may spread. To allay it, I shall to-day search entire ship carefully from stem to stern.”

We get the name of another crew member: Olgaren. If he is another hand (and I feel like the captain would’ve specified if he wasn’t) we now know 3/5 names of the crew hands. We also get more information on a new mysterious incident — this time they have actually spotted a strange man aboard the ship, though he turned to mist (what I think happened) before Olgaren could find him). Finally, the captain has decided to take some action to allay the crew’s fears. Good!!

“Later in the day I got together the whole crew, and told them, as they evidently thought there was some one in the ship, we would search from stem to stern. First mate angry; said it was folly, and to yield to such foolish ideas would demoralise the men; said he would engage to keep them out of trouble with a handspike. I let him take the helm, while the rest began thorough search, all keeping abreast, with lanterns: we left no corner unsearched. As there were only the big wooden boxes, there were no odd corners where a man could hide. Men much relieved when search over, and went back to work cheerfully. First mate scowled, but said nothing.”

I like the captain’s delegation with giving the first mate the helm here. No use making the man search when he was obviously going to be complaining and degrading their worries the whole time. We also get it specified that this was the first mate: I choose to believe it was the first mate who’s been complaining this whole time and the captain just wasn’t taking accurate notes about it, though I could be proven wrong.

As for the boxes having nothing to hide….oh boy. That’s funny. Not in a haha way. But it is funny. Because they truly have no idea what lies in one of those boxes, but alas, the creature who resides in there is currently mist (if I’m not mistaken) and they cannot see the truth.

Of course, they don’t find anything and go cheerfully back to work. Good for morale, not good for the long-term.

That’s it for this Demeter’s log. Can’t wait for the next one!

[harrystiddess]

DRUMMER GIRL

PART II

A/N: If my scenarios before bed were a fanfic haha

WORD COUNT: I’m bad at math

SUMMARY: She's a drummer and a cop and he's in need of a drummer. Will she "stick" with his offer?

DRUMMER GIRL SERIES

Content Warning: None as of yet!

Read Part I here

HARRY’S POV

H: I think I just found us a drummer

Jeff: While taking a walk on the streets?

H: …Yes..

Jeff: When can they audition?

H: Actually tonight 7pm at Bardo’s

Jeff: They have a gig or something?

H: Sort of…

Jeff: Alright, I’ll meet you at your place then?

H: Uhm Actually I’ll be going early…

Jeff: To the venue? Why are they a friend?

H: No she’s not a friend and I’m juts going to get her flowers that’s all

Jeff: 👀

H: Here we go again

Jeff: Hahaha I’m joking chill man

H: you’re annoying

Jeff: I know 💁🏻‍♀️

6:30 PM Same Day

I’ve been pacing back and forth, I even drank chamomile Tea which I hate- but nothing seems to calm me down. Only this sentence playing through my head. “Harry Styles is going to fucking watch you play tonight”

It’s almost show time but i can’t see him anywhere. I would be lying if I said I haven’t been peeking through the curtain to find him. Even though he seemed a little full of himself I couldn’t bury the pure excitement I was feeling. As I take a good last peek for the last time, I spot Jeff. Great. Even though I knew he’d be there, it was just enough to tip off my anxiety.

I go back and quickly fix my make up and wear the last bit of my outfit.

The only good thing about tonight was that I was wearing All leather and thigh high boots. Tonight’s outfit- was my dream come true.

I’m the first one to walk out to the crowd screaming. It wasn’t a huge crowd, just about 100 people.

I walk in, bow down and I take a seat on my throne. (A/N: The seat of a drum kit is called a Throne)

As the others make their entry on stage I take my time to find Harry. He looks curious as if he were genuinely interested in my talent.

It was time for us to start, which we did with a classic “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay followed by imagine dragons and songs the bad wrote.

At the end of the hug, the crowd was left in awe. Tonight’s gig was a big hit.

After all of us take the last bow and take the crowds leave, we all go backstage getting our gear back in, to go to the bar and celebrate.

I come back out with Elle laughing about me tripping when I realise that Harry and Jeff are walking towards be. Harry has a bouquet in his hands. Bouquets of white daises. It was quite funny because Whute Daisies are my favourite flowers and there was no way he knew that unless..

“Hi” he says breathing out

“Hi”

“You were fucking amazing”

“Was I really? Or you’re just desperate for a drummer”

“I wouldn’t say I’m desperate, but you were phenomenal”

“Thankyou” I say chuckling

“Oh and I got these for you”

“White daisies” I say looking at them fondly smelling them and inhaling some pollen causing me to sneeze

I can hear them chuckle but I pretend I don’t.

“Uh Ava, this is Jeff my Manager, and Jeff this is Ava, the drummer girl” he introduced us.

“Nice to meet you” I say shaking his hand.

Jeff… he seems different than I thought. He’s.. welcoming. And has got a warm radiance in general.

“Let’s get a table?”

Everyone nods in agreement as we get seated on the table.

Oh and try is is Elena, my bestfriend and the guitarist of this band.

We all get seated and order a round of drinks.

“So Ava, what do you do? You a drummer of this band?”

“No actually.. Korid, their drummer is sick so I’m just covering for him. I’m actually a cop”

“A cop” Harry raises his eyebrows

“Well not exactly. But low key yes”

“That sounds very important”

“I mean it has its ups and downs” I say laughing

“So we definitely would love and I mean this in a way that if we have you as an employee, we’d go places we couldn’t reach before” said Jeff stepping in.

“Having you in the Love Band, would be like a miracle”

By looking at my unsure face he begins again “And we’re ready to negotiate. If you’re willing to still be a cop and do both at the same time, we’re ready to adjust”

The minute he said that it was like every problem in my world had been resolved. Not literally but the main pressing issue had been.

“I’m listening” you say with a wide smirk looking at Harry knowing that he knows that the deal is established and closed.

“We would love for you to come to the studio, we can talk terms, legalities, your pay and everything else”

I look at Elena for confirmation as if I was hesitating. Which I was. This was a huge step. Good for me but regardless a huge step. She nodded at me holding my hand making sure I knew that she supported me an thought that this was good for me.

“Alright. I’m in”

The minute I said that I could see Harry’s face light up like a damn glowstick. He had an expression I couldn’t quite decode but he was definitely happy and satisfied. And so was I. I’ve dreamed of this moment, infact even written fanfics about this moment for years. And this mine couldn’t compare to either of them.

We talked for a bit, decided that I’d come over to the studio tomorrow to close the deal and meet the rest of the bandmates. I exchanged numbers with Jeff as we bid our goodbyes. What surprised me was that Harry asked me for a picture. With him. He was the star! It sounded absolutely ridiculous. He knew I was thinking that but we clicked a picture anyways. As it turns out, it was his plan all along.

“Could you send me that picture?”

“I don’t have your contact”

“That’s alright you can give me yours, I’ll text you” he said with subtle smirk and smug look on his face.

“Uhm yeah” I say as he hands his phone to me.

We bid our goodbyes, and I head home. The second I enter my flat, my phone rings, notifying me of a text.

I just couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that he gave me White Daises. It was a little too good to be a coincidence. But there’s no way he have known, right?

The minute I enter my flat I get a text from an unknown number.

Unknown: “Drummer Girl 😉” I like it

I can’t help but smile at it. He’d think I wouldn’t notice him referring to me as the drummer girl. But putting that as my contact name in his phone probably just proved it

[bluehouryoongi]

BITE ME- 4: The Move-in

Pairing: Jake x Female Reader

Genre: Vampire Enhypen and Human Reader College Strangers to Friends to Lovers!AU

Synopsis: Set in present-day Pacific Northwest US. Y/n in a college student, and keeps to herself. One day, she has strange encounters with two statuesque men, one of which invites her to a party (at their mansion ofc) where she drunkenly confesses that she can't pay her rent. Vast and highly believable events ensue, leading to her live with 7 a-little-too-perfect guys. That's all you need to know.

← Previous –Masterlist – Next→

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3 years ago

I shut the closet doors, officially unpacked. It’s surreal, moving away from home for the first time and I. Am. Terrified. After road-tripping for almost 7 hours, I’ve spent the last few days running around this unfamiliar town with my mom and sister, trying to make my new apartment feel even vaguely like home. My heart stings when I remember that in the next few hours, they are going to leave and I will stay. It’s easy to just pretend like this was just a mini vacation, and not my new life for the next four years. This is what I want, to be independent and make a name for myself apart from my family. However that dream is a lot more appealing when it is just a mood board, and not a nearly empty apartment with two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a tiny kitchen. 

My mom and sister have helped a lot; they’ve hung up my posters, set up fairy lights, and stocked my fridge with all my comfort foods. It looks like me, which is a vibe I could have never created on my own. I just could also nearly shit my pants when I think about the reality of them, and the rest of my family, being 6+ hours away on a daily basis. 

Whilst running errands and unpacking, my mom has been telling me stories about this town. She grew up here, along with generations of relatives on her side of the family. This comforts me; knowing that no matter how foreign it may seem, a piece of me belongs here. I have always been fascinated by ancestry, and how people’s pasts weave together. There is something that soothes my soul in the fact that we are all truly connected, and the world is small, no matter how vast it can feel. The scholarship I received may have been the final push in my decision to move here, but I am way too sentimental to pretend our family history wasn’t a large part of it. 

“Your mind is spinning, I can see it. What are you thinking about?” Oops. I do that a lot. I get to thinking and then all of a sudden it's been hours since I've said a word. Luckily for me, this time it was only a few minutes. My mom can always see right through me, though. 

“I’m just gonna miss you guys. A lot.” 

“We will too, of course. I am so proud of you, though.” 

I can feel my throat tighten and my eyes already starting to pool. 

“You think I can do it? You really think this was the right choice?” At this point, I just need to hear their words of reassurance again so I don’t spiral. 

“Y/n, you are so much more capable than you give yourself credit for. Of course you can do this. I have literally zero doubts.” My mom always knows what to say.

It’s no secret that I am hard on myself, I have been ever since I can remember. I just can’t help but have such high expectations of what I can do, or who I could be, that I don’t know how to turn the perfectionism switch off. I'm working on it, but I don't have high hopes of much change happening soon. 

“You also got a legit scholarship! The school is practically begging you to be there.” I laugh. I love my sister. Not binge-watching reality tv together on the weekends will be one of the things I miss the most. Moving away feels like a transition out of the safe bubble I have lived in all my life. Making this change means leaving behind what I have always known, the safety and comfort. There is also a level of parting with childhood that is making this extra hard. What if I change? What if I don't like who I become? Instead of saying all of this, though, I opt for:

“What if I can’t make any friends?”

“You will. You are perfect friend material. Anyone who doesn’t see that is stupid and we hate them. Who needs them?”

Ok, true. “Thanks, guys. I love you!!”

“We love you the most.” My sister says, “Plus, I’m sure all the hot guys will see you walking around, looking all cute and studious, and instantly fall in love.” Okay, that might be an exaggeration, but I am going to roll with the confidence. 

“Obviously.” I reply, laughing. 

-

After delaying them from staying any longer, they eventually have to leave. We laugh, we cry, and we agree to text at least once a day. Soon I am standing in my apartment alone, taking in my new reality. Because I have to maintain some kind of order or else I will probably have a panic attack, I walk over to my desk and get out my journal. When in doubt, make a list of goals. 

#1: Get good grades at school

We have to start somewhere, so I write the most basic thing I can think of. 

#2: Get a job.

Again, basic, but this apartment won’t pay for itself. 

#3: Find purpose and meaning in my life???

This one is a little less easy but, hey. These are goals right?

#4: Drink water. 

Because it’s good to sandwich an existential crisis between things that are more attainable. 

-

It’s been a week since I have moved in, and the fall semester is beginning. The first day of classes is easy, it’s all icebreakers and going over the syllabi. Meeting new people hasn’t really gone beyond just saying “Hi! Is anyone sitting here?” when I walk into classrooms but, at least it’s something. 

I got a job at a bookstore only a few blocks from campus. It’s called Mont Blanc Books, taking inspiration from the ever-mysterious and inspiring mountain in Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. I love it. The owner is an old married couple, who I instantly am obsessed with. I have decided that it is my life goal to be exactly like them. I pick up the skills to work there quickly; it's a lot of sitting behind a counter and helping people find books, so basically it is my dream job. 

The bookstore is situated downtown, with other consignment and coffee shops surrounding it. I have also come to learn that there is a bar down the street, because occasionally during a night shift a drunk college student will wander in looking for a bathroom. 

One night, as I step into the foggy street, I hear a group laughing and talking as they walk. Even from afar, I can tell the guys are tall. I can’t exactly make out their faces, as I squint to get a better look. I am way too nosy for my own good. There’s something intriguing about them though, and I can’t quite get myself to just leave. They have stopped, a couple of them leaning up against a wall of the building. They are still about a block away from me, so I can’t make out what they are saying. One of them is smoking a cigarette, and another seems to be telling a story. A few of them are chuckling, and I find myself almost cracking a smile too. They have an air about them that can’t be explained, like they are practically oozing with confidence. For good reason, too, because they each are so perfect they could be mistaken for statues if they weren’t obviously moving around. 

Before I can stare any longer than I already have, one of them looks over at me, as if he could sense I was there. His dark hair falls over his face perfectly, and his eyes burn into mine. I look down quickly, and start to walk to my car. Hopefully he only noticed me looking for a second. 

I don’t look back to the group until I get settled in my car. When I finally do steal a glance over, there he is, still looking my way. He remains at a distance, so I can’t be sure he even is looking at me, although with the intensity of his gaze I don’t know how to believe anything else. A shiver runs down my spine, and I leave.

–

I’m sitting in my Biology lab, writing up my report when I overhear girls talking at the table behind me. 

“Wait. So what EXACTLY did you say?”

The other girl sighs heavily. “I just asked for his instagram.”

“And he said no??”

“No, he said he doesn’t have one.” 

The other girl puffs out air, “Yeah, right.” 

“I believe him. After some intense internet stalking last night I can’t find any of them on insta.” 

Do they have to discuss their boy grievances so loud?

“It just seems weird. They are the hottest guys on campus. And I heard they have parties like- all the time. Why would guys so involved have literally zero social media presence?” 

This isn’t the first time in the past week that I have heard people talking about these “guys”. My mind shifts to the group of guys outside the bar the other night. Could they be the same people? The ones I saw definitely looked like they would be college-age, and they looked like they would have the ‘hottest guys on campus’ reputation. I got chills thinking about the look the one gave me. 

The first girl chimes in again saying “I don’t know. All I know is I call dibs on Jake.”

“Fine by me, Jay is all mine. He totally has that bad-boy vibe about him.” 

“Okay everyone! We will finish this lab next week, so see you then.” The professor announces. 

I gather my things and annoyingly can’t shake my head of these names. Jay, Jake…I have a strange feeling I am going to be hearing a lot more about all of these guys over the next few years. 

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A/N: A little flashback moment :) The first few chapters went soooo fast so I wanted to take a min to go back to when Y/n first started at the University + her first encounter of the boys. This was lowkey so short but the next chapter is longer soooo... yeah that's all I really have to say about that hehe. (P.S. If you are wanting to read all the chapters in Part 1 before I post them here, they are all already posted on Ao3;))

[arya-skywalker]

Escape (Renegade Nell fic)

Summary: Thomas can’t take it anymore. He runs away to London, hoping to escape his ghosts, only to end up right back where he started.

[Aka filling in some scenes between episodes 4-6.]

Notes: I’ve had this in my drafts for a while, but I realized we were sitting at 99 total fics on ao3 which motivated me to finally finish it and post. This is now the 100th fic yay! Also it almost feels like some scenes were cut in regard to Thomas, so I wanted to explore a little of what he was up to between scenes.

TW: ghosts (or hallucinations, who knows), drinking, self deprecation, canonical death/patricide, unhappy ending, kidnapping

AO3 link

Everywhere Thomas looked, his father’s dead face glared back at him. His father’s voice constantly mocked and berated him. It made him want to scream— sometimes he couldn’t stop himself.

And Poynton. Poynton was coming. Poynton who got them all into this mess. Poynton with his words like honeyed poison.

Thomas couldn’t take it. He had to escape. He snapped at the nearest servant to prepare the carriage, then stalked to his room to pack his things.

”Weak, pathetic, coward,” his father’s voice sneered.

Thomas flinched, but didn’t bother responding. He knew he was and he hated it. He couldn’t hold up the facade of being otherwise, not without help.

Not long after, he heard his sister’s footsteps approach. “What exactly are you doing?” Sofia asked.

“Leaving. Going to London. You can’t stop me.” Thomas stuffed some random clothes into a bag.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? With your—“

Thomas whirled on her. “Stop! Just stop. I’ve made up my mind. I’m going. If I stay here one day longer I’ll go mad. I can’t…” He ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. “You won’t listen to me about Poynton, fine. Dig your own grave, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. I will not be under the same roof as him ever again.”

Sofia reached out to put a hand on his arm. “If you are truly set on this…” She sighed. “Perhaps a change of scene would be good for you. I’ll cover for you here. Just… be careful, please.”

Thomas shrugged her off. “Good. I don’t know when I’ll be back.” If ever.

“Will you at least write?”

“Maybe.” He doubted there would be much to write about, if he’d even be sober enough to string together anything coherent.

“Farewell, then.”

Thomas simply nodded to her and went back to preparing his things. He heard her footfalls retreat and the door close behind her.

~*~

London was as he remembered it. Bustling and loud and colorful. The perfect escape to lose himself in.

Time passed in a blur. He drank. He followed his old friends around to their usual hangouts. He fell back into old patterns of gambling and cards. He almost managed to forget. Sometimes he thought he saw a glimpse of his father’s ghost, but it would quickly be lost in the crowds. His friends helped distract him.

The hangovers were torturous, but he’d gladly take that over the horror that home had become. It was worth it. It had to be. What else could he do?

~*~

Then the worst happened. Poynton’s men found him in his room, while he was vulnerable and alone. Poynton strode over to him.

Thomas froze, staring at them. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

Was he hallucinating? Dreaming? How much had he drank again? This couldn’t be happening. His head hurt, his stomach twisted in knots.

“Neither are you,” Poynton said, calm and collected as always, his voice soft almost to the point of patronizing. “I’m here to take you home, Thomas.”

“No!” Thomas staggered back and tripped over a chair. The fall didn’t help, he didn’t wake up. “No, I won’t go back! You can’t make me!”

Poynton looked down at him and sighed. “Please don’t make this more difficult than it needs to be. Let me help you.”

Thomas shrank back. “Leave me alone!”

“I promised your sister I would return with you. You wouldn’t want to hurt her feelings, now would you?”

She betrayed him. How could she? He never should have told her where he was going. He should have disappeared off the face of the earth entirely. No one would miss him.

“Come now, Thomas.” Poynton took a step closer and offered his hand. The snakes on his ring twisted and danced. Thomas couldn’t look away as much as he wanted to.

”Sleep, Thomas. Sleep. All will be well. Sleep,” the voices whispered.

The world went black.

~*~

The next time Thomas woke he was in his father’s bedroom, with his father’s ghost glaring at him.

There was no escape. Nowhere he could run without being dragged back to hell.

He screamed.